Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Thundering Herd Invitational
Marshall XC Opens 2026 at Home with Thundering Herd Invitational Friday
9/3/2026 12:00:00 PM | Cross Country
Championship Fund | Relay Club
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Cross Country opens its 2026 season Friday morning with the 4th annual Thundering Herd XC Invitational at the Kennedy Center YMCA Complex. The Women's 5K race will take place at 9 a.m. with the Men's 5K race to follow at approximately 9:45 a.m.
Parking at the event will be $5 per car. Spectators can pay by cash only upon arrival, or by scanning the QR code below and showing the parking attendant the receipt. All proceeds go directly to the Marshall Cross Country/Track & Field program.
Thundering Herd XC Invitational Parking 2026
"We are really excited to be hosting this year's Thundering Herd XC Invitational! It's looking to be a great meet," said Cross Country Head Coach Caleb Bowen. "We have some great teams coming and it's going to bring the best from us in our season debut."
"We would like to thank the YMCA Kennedy Center, The Fly In Cafe/Rob Newlon Airport, and our Marshall University Athletic department for helping us put this meet on!"
Teams competing in the women's race at 9 a.m. alongside the Herd are Bluefield State, University of Charleston, Fairmont State, Glenville State, and Pikeville.
The Herd women return 11 from last season, with an additional four newcomers to the squad, including three first-years and senior transfer Rachael Withrow.
The men's race at 9:45 a.m. includes the same competition as the women, as well as Marietta College and three athletes from West Virginia State.
Marshall's men's team has 10 returners from last year, including a pair of All-Conference runners with Brady Dawkins and Justin Lipscomb. Three MU freshmen will make their collegiate debuts on the men's side.
"Our team has been working hard all summer, and they're ready to compete! The last couple of weeks have been great, and everyone looks ready to roll," said Director of XC/TF Keith Roberts. "We hope to see Herd Nation in full force this weekend supporting our student-athletes. It's going to be a great day!"
To donate to the Championship Fund for Marshall XC/TF, please click HERE. All proceeds go directly to Marshall's Cross Country and Track & Field teams. To support Marshall XC/TF's Relay Club, please click HERE.
Follow the team on Twitter and Instagram @HerdTFXC for coverage all season long of Marshall cross country.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules, and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS or Android!
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