Cross Country Releases 2026 Schedule
8/26/2026 11:30:00 AM | Cross Country
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – UC Riverside cross country has announced the Highlanders' 2026 cross country schedule.
The Highlanders are slated to compete in five meets this fall, including two home invitationals at the Ag/Ops Cross Country Course and the 2026 Big West Cross Country Championship.
UC Riverside opens its home slate on Friday, Sept. 4, when the Highlanders welcome UCLA to the Ag/Ops Cross Country Course before returning on Saturday, Sept. 19, to host the UC Riverside Invitational.
The Highlanders hit the road on Friday, Oct. 9, traveling to Eugene, Oregon, for the Bill Dellinger Invitational before returning to Riverside to host the annual Highlander Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 17.
"We're fortunate to have some great invitationals at our place and are looking forward to racing in Eugene again this year for the Dellinger Invitational," said coach Zach Newsom.
Following the Highlander Invitational, UCR will turn its attention to postseason competition, beginning with the 2026 Big West Cross Country Championship on Saturday, Oct. 31. The Highlanders will have the opportunity to compete on their home course once again as UC Riverside hosts the conference championship at the Ag/Ops Cross Country Course.
"We're excited to host the Big West Championship at AgOps this year and we'll certainly be well prepared for it with three regular season opportunities at home" said coach Newsom.
The Highlanders will then travel to Sacramento for the NCAA West Regional Championship on Friday, Nov. 13.
UC Riverside enters the 2026 campaign with a strong group of returners on both the men's and women's sides, providing an experienced foundation as the Highlanders welcome several new faces to the program.
"We're led by a strong core of returners on both the men's and women's side this year and I think they're doing a great job of welcoming our new faces into the fold in terms of establishing the culture and expectations of UC Riverside cross country," said coach Newsom. "Our men were extremely young last year and we're expecting to take a step forward after a year of growth. And our women have a great pack going right now. It's really encouraging seeing them run together in practice and I'm looking forward to seeing them race together this fall."
Should UCR qualify, the season will conclude at the NCAA National Championship on Saturday, Nov. 21, in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Fans can stay up to date with UC Riverside Cross Country throughout the season by visiting GoHighlanders.com.
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The Highlanders are slated to compete in five meets this fall, including two home invitationals at the Ag/Ops Cross Country Course and the 2026 Big West Cross Country Championship.
UC Riverside opens its home slate on Friday, Sept. 4, when the Highlanders welcome UCLA to the Ag/Ops Cross Country Course before returning on Saturday, Sept. 19, to host the UC Riverside Invitational.
The Highlanders hit the road on Friday, Oct. 9, traveling to Eugene, Oregon, for the Bill Dellinger Invitational before returning to Riverside to host the annual Highlander Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 17.
"We're fortunate to have some great invitationals at our place and are looking forward to racing in Eugene again this year for the Dellinger Invitational," said coach Zach Newsom.
Following the Highlander Invitational, UCR will turn its attention to postseason competition, beginning with the 2026 Big West Cross Country Championship on Saturday, Oct. 31. The Highlanders will have the opportunity to compete on their home course once again as UC Riverside hosts the conference championship at the Ag/Ops Cross Country Course.
"We're excited to host the Big West Championship at AgOps this year and we'll certainly be well prepared for it with three regular season opportunities at home" said coach Newsom.
The Highlanders will then travel to Sacramento for the NCAA West Regional Championship on Friday, Nov. 13.
UC Riverside enters the 2026 campaign with a strong group of returners on both the men's and women's sides, providing an experienced foundation as the Highlanders welcome several new faces to the program.
"We're led by a strong core of returners on both the men's and women's side this year and I think they're doing a great job of welcoming our new faces into the fold in terms of establishing the culture and expectations of UC Riverside cross country," said coach Newsom. "Our men were extremely young last year and we're expecting to take a step forward after a year of growth. And our women have a great pack going right now. It's really encouraging seeing them run together in practice and I'm looking forward to seeing them race together this fall."
Should UCR qualify, the season will conclude at the NCAA National Championship on Saturday, Nov. 21, in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Fans can stay up to date with UC Riverside Cross Country throughout the season by visiting GoHighlanders.com.
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