Orlando- The UCF cross country team is ready to kick off its second Big 12 season this Friday, Aug. 30th for its 2024 opening race at UCF Invitational.
The D1 women’s race is set to take off at 6:15 pm following the women’s JUCO race at 5:30 pm.
The Knights will host Florida, Bethune Cookman, Jacksonville U, South Florida, Stetson, and Florida State for an exciting 5k race. These strong teams will circle the UCF Softball Complex for a flat and fast three-loop course.
The Black and Gold have eight returning athletes and a handful of freshmen, all of which are Florida natives.
The previous UCF Invitational held in 2022 showcased a dominant performance by Isabella Richardson, who placed 2nd with a 5k time of 18:28.9. Richardson’s sub-19-minute performance brought the Knights to a 65-point runner-up finish. The returning junior can be expected to lead the pack again this Friday as she seeks to best her PR time of 17:12.4.
The UCF Invitational will be thrilling and memorable for athletes and fans alike as the Knights lace up their spikes for a speedy Big 12 season-opener.