Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Thundering Herd Invitational
Rachael Withrow Sets Course Record as Marshall Cross Country Opens Season with Victory
9/4/2026 11:06:00 AM | Cross Country
Championship Fund | Relay Club
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Women's Cross Country opened its 2026 season in dominant fashion, winning with a near-perfect score of 19. Leading the charge for the Herd was senior transfer Rachael Withrow. The Winfield native raced a winning time of 16:11, breaking Abby Herring's course record of 17:01.Â
The Bowling Green transfer and Winfield High School graduate won the race by a full 90 seconds.
"I have had a great group of girls this season to train with," said Withrow. "Coach Bowen, Coach Roberts, the entire staff has been great. It is just fun to get out there and race with everyone because I feel like we are all in it together."
Hannah Toth (2nd overall), Destiny Berryman (3rd overall), Ellie Hosaflook, Brayleigh Becken, and Taylor Spencer all rounded out the Top-10 for the MU women.
Marshall's men's team finished 2nd behind national power, Charleston. The Herd was led by Justin Lipscomb's time of 15:27, finishing 5th. Freshman Landon Jones followed closely behind with a time of 15:29. Conner Myers, Ryan Hughes, and Dylan Dial rounded out the Top-5. Â
"I thought our team competed really well," said Coach Caleb Bowen. "Very excited about the grit the women showed and same with the men. The women looked strong in their finishing which is difficult in this heat. The men ran as a group as well as they could have had in these conditions with a 10 second spread one through five. Ideally we want our one to be farther up and same with everyone else, but really proud of the team in these conditions. We are grateful for all the support shown and we are looking forward to building off of today as we move into the season."
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FULL RESULTS:
MEN'S 5K Top-7
(1) 5. Justin Lipscomb 15:27
(2) 6. Landon Jones 15:29
(3) 9. Conner Myers 15:32
(4) 10. Ryan Hughes 15:34
(5) 12. Dylan Dial 15:37
(6) 21. Landon Brumfield 16:38
(7) 23. Garrett Ferguson 16:44
WOMEN'S 5K Top-7
(1) 1. Rachael Withrow 16:11
(2) 2. Hannah Toth 17:41
(3) 3. Destiny Berryman 17:58
(UN) Hannah Wyler 18:17
(4) 7. Ellie Hosaflook 18:41
(5) 8. Brayleigh Becken 18:55
(6) 9. Taylor Spencer 19:14
(7) 14. Lauren Sonski 19:35
Marshall Cross Country returns to action in a week for the Queen City Invitational in Charlotte on Friday, September 11.
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.Â
Follow the team on Twitter and Instagram @HerdTFXC for coverage all season long of Marshall cross country.
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