COLUMBUS, Ind. – The IU Columbus Cross Country program has officially announced its 2026 season schedule, the Crimson Pride Athletic Department revealed this week.
Building on continued growth and momentum within the program, IU Columbus enters the 2026 campaign with a competitive slate designed to challenge the Crimson Pride across the region and prepare for postseason success in the River States Conference and beyond.
The season begins on September 12 at the Hanover Invitational in Hanover, Indiana, giving the Crimson Pride an early opportunity to set the tone against a strong field. IU Columbus will then host its lone home meet of the season, the Crimson Pride Open, on September 18 in Shelbyville, Indiana at the Blue River Cross Country Course.
Throughout October, the Crimson Pride will compete in several high-level meets, including the Nike XC Town Twilight in Terre Haute, the Ray Bullock Invitational in Upland, and the Great Lakes Classic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. These meets will serve as key preparation opportunities leading into championship season.
The postseason begins with the River States Conference Championships on November 7 in Terre Haute, Indiana, where IU Columbus will look to make a strong showing against conference competition. Qualifying runners will then advance to the NAIA National Championships on November 20 in Vancouver, Washington.
With a balanced mix of local, regional, and national-level competition, the 2026 schedule reflects the program's continued commitment to development and competitive excellence.
2026 IU Columbus Cross Country Schedule
Sept. 12 – Hanover Invitational (Hanover, IN), 10:00 a.m.
Sept. 18 – Crimson Pride Open (Shelbyville, IN), 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 – Nike XC Town Twilight (Terre Haute, IN), 9:00 p.m.
Oct. 9 – Ray Bullock Invitational (Upland, IN), 4:00 p.m.
Oct. 24 – Great Lakes Classic (Grand Rapids, MI), 11:00 a.m.
Nov. 7 – River States Conference Championships (Terre Haute, IN), 10:00 a.m.
Nov. 20 – NAIA National Championships (Vancouver, WA), 10:00 a.m.
All times listed are Eastern Time and are subject to change.
