CONWAY, ARK. - Central Arkansas cross country opens its 2026 season Saturday morning as the Bears host the UCA Bear XC Invitational at Beaver Fork Lake.

The season-opening meet will feature a three-mile course, with the women's race scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. and the men's race set for an 8:10 a.m. start. 

Central Arkansas will look to take advantage of the familiarity of its home course while beginning the 2026 season. With the first race of the season serving as an early test for both squads, the Bears will look to use Saturday's meet as a starting point for continued improvement throughout the season.

The women's race will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the men's race at 8:10 a.m. at Beaver Fork Lake, with MacDonald Timing providing timing and scoring for the meet.