CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas cross country teams are on the road for their second meet of the season, heading up to Columbia, Missouri to take part in the Gans Creek Invitational on Friday. The men will run at 8 a.m., followed by the women at 8:45 a.m.
 
The Bears are back on the trail after a month away from competition, last competing in their home event back in August. There, the women's team cruised to a first place finish, led by Madeline Hill's individual medal. The Bears totaled just 22 points, placing first (Madeline Hill), third (Ali Nachtigal), fourth (Sequoya Prentice), sixth (Kayleigh Wagnon) and eighth (Felisa Saheib).
 
The men's team placed second at the UCA Bears Invitational, with counting finishes of fourth (Trae Baker), fifth (Mason Bickle), sixth (Tim Haughton), tenth (Pete Johnson) and 14th (Samuel Morales). Central Arkansas looks forward to the return of a couple of runners, including senior Jack Dingman, as the season progresses.
 
On Friday, the men will run 8K, starting at 8 a.m., followed by a 6K race at 8:45 a.m. for the women. The course record for the 8K is 23:33.5, set back in 2021, with the 6K record sitting at 19:55.2, also set in 2021.