Women's Cross Country Heads into First Race of the Season

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Belmont University Women's Cross Country team opens the 2026 season with a hometown race hosted by Vanderbilt University.

Formerly the Belmont Opener, this year's Vanderbilt Opener takes place at Percy Warner Park in Nashville. The women will take to the Vaughn's Gap Cross Country Course at 8 a.m. CT, to be followed by the men's race at 8:45 a.m.

Vanderbilt Cross Country will now carry on this Percy Warner Park tradition, which kicks off the Bruins' season and hosts several teams from around the southeast.

First-year coach Grant O'Callaghan describes "the gap" course, saying, "it's a tough course with some good hills, heavy sun exposure, and some difficult footing." He believes that the race will be a good opportunity for the team, especially the seven freshman Bruins, to get a taste of collegiate cross country as they head into the bulk of the season. O'Callaghan is keeping long-term goals in mind as he prepares the team for competitive races later in the season.

Head Cross Country Coach Jeff Langdon says about O'Callaghan, "He's a young coach, but he brings a lot of energy, excitement, and fun. He's very knowledgeable so he's been very helpful to me in so many ways." Langdon commends the team dynamic he cultivates, and how much the athletes respect him. "I'm really excited to have Grant. There's some good things ahead I think for him."

Langdon is seeing some good depth from the women's team this season, led by returning sophomore Sophie Nicholls and freshman Isabella Harte.

The Bruins placed second at last year's opener, seven points behind Vanderbilt.

How to Follow
Follow Belmont Cross Country on social media - @BelmontXCTF on X, formerly Twitter, @belmontxctf on Instagram, and @BUXCTF on Facebook for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.