Above photo of the 2023 Nike Cross National SE Regionals courtesy of RunnerSpace.com.
Enjoy multiple cross-country events at WakeMed Soccer Park this fall
While WakeMed Soccer Park is known for hosting mostly soccer events—such as the NC Courage, NCFC, ACC tournaments, College Cup and TST 7-on-7 tournament—the multi-use complex in Cary also sports a cross country course that encircles the entire park. Fall also marks the start of the cross country season, and WakeMed plays host to several large events for the sport.
Most recently, the complex hosted the adidas Cross Country Challenge (adidas XC) on September 20–21, an annual contest that set the stage for each cross country season. This year marked the 12th year for adidas XC and is the first scored meet for many teams, including NC State. It featured collegiate/open races for men and women as well as invitational and challenge races for high school athletes.
This year, the women’s cup was won by the NC State team for the second year in a row. The men’s cup was claimed by Liberty University, but NC State came in second, including first and second place individual finishes in the 6k race.
You don’t have to wait until next year’s adidas XC Challenge to take in a cross country event. Even if you don’t know any of the runners or teams, attending one of these events is a great way to get into a new sport and support local athletes. Most events will offer a map of the course to attendees, and during the race, you can move to different points along the path to cheer on runners. If you’ve never attended a cross country event, it may help to arrive early to scout for central points where you can see as much of the race as possible without having to move around too much. You can also stake out a good spot by the finish line. Just be sure to follow any event rules regarding access to the path or runners.
Here are some upcoming events at WakeMed this fall.
Great American XC Festival
https://greatamerican.runnerspace.com/
October 4–5
In its 25th year, this event brings together high school athletes from across the East Coast in one of the largest high-level meets of the season, which features drumlines and a retail area. Events start on Friday with the 3K middle school races and the HBCU Cedric Walker Challenge, a 5K women’s and 8K men’s race. Saturday races begin at 8:00 a.m. with high schools competing in 5Ks. Admission is free on Friday, with Saturday charging a $10 cash-only parking fee for entry.
WCPSS Cross Country Championships
https://www.nchsaa.org/sports/cross-country/
October 14–17
Wake County Schools finish out their season with the Conference Championship held in mid-October. Teams can then advance to the Regionals, held on October 26. The State Championships are held in Kernersville and will be on November 2.
ACC Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships
https://theacc.com/sports/cross
November 1
The ACC Cross Country Championships are the culmination of a long fall season. Preseason rankings have two local teams ranked in the top spot, NC State women’s and UNC men’s. Duke will also host the Blue Devil Invitational on November 8 in Durham.
Nike Cross National SE Regional
November 23
The Nike Cross Nationals brings together elite runners from across the country with eight regional qualifying meets culminating at the finals in Portland on December 7. The Southeast regionals will feature rising stars and an open invitational for both girls and boys teams.
Other Races
WakeMed also plays host to charity events and fun runs. Consider donating or registering to run one of these races, or just attend to lend your support.
Vets to Vets United 5K9 Dog Jog; October 6
The Carolina Brain Aneurysm 5K – In Memory of Ellie Helton; October 12
North Carolina Walk4Hearing; October 13
Trick or Trot 5K presented by Precision Race; October 27
Jingle Bell Run presented by Precision Race; December 7
