UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State cross country program announced its 2026 schedule on Monday afternoon, highlighted by four regular-season meets for both the men's and women's teams leading into the championship portion of the season.
“We are excited to get the cross-country season started,” said head coach John Gondak. “We have a challenging schedule that will prepare us for the post-season. It is an exciting time for both programs, and we look forward to showcasing the progress we continue to make as a program this fall.”
The season opens on Sept. 4 as both squads travel to Lock Haven, Pa., for the Lock Haven Dolan Duals. One week later, the Nittany Lions will compete on their home course at the annual Spiked Shoe Invitational in University Park on Sept. 11.
The men's team returns to action on Oct. 2 at the Lehigh Paul Short Run in Bethlehem, Pa., before wrapping up the regular season at the NCAA Pre-National Invitational in Terre Haute, Ind., on Oct. 16.
The women's squad will head to the Princeton Fall Classic on Sept. 25 in Princeton, N.J., before concluding its regular season at the Wisconsin Nuttycombe Invitational in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 9.
Postseason competition begins with the Big Ten Championships on Oct. 30 in Madison, Wis. Teams will then compete at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional on Nov. 13 in Bethlehem, Pa., with qualifying teams and individuals advancing to the NCAA Cross Country Championships on Nov. 21 in Terre Haute, Ind.
2026 PENN STATE CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE
Sept. 4 – Dolan Duals – Lock Haven, Pa.
Sept. 11 – Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational – University Park, Pa.
Sept. 25 - Princeton Fall Classic - Princeton, N.J. (women only)
Oct. 2 – Paul Short Run – Bethlehem, Pa. (men only)
Oct. 9 – Nuttycombe Invitational – Madison, Wis. (women only)
Oct. 16 – NCAA Pre-National Invitational – Terre Haute, Ind. (men only)
Oct. 30 – Big Ten Championships – Madison, Wis.
Nov. 13 – NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional – Bethlehem, Pa.
Nov. 21 – NCAA Cross Country Championships – Terre Haute, Ind.
FOLLOW THE NITTANY LIONS
Follow along with the team on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateTFXC) and X/Instagram (@pennstatetfxc).