Aug 19, 2014

There are new teams coming, and some of the runners have new uniforms, but Providence is still a fast start to the season.

After a weekend of preview meets, the NCHSAA regular season opened yesterday. Teams are now allowed to host fully-scored meets, and many teams will make their 5K debut this weekend at two of the biggest meets of the season, the Providence Invitational and the WNC Cross Country Carnival. In addition, there are two other openers to serve the eastern park of the state this weekend: Friday's Fike Night Relays, and Saturday's Wendell Park Early Bird

Providence Invitational (McAlpine Greenway, Charlotte)

This meet has grown into one of the must-see events on a fall calendar that is already loaded with major events. It draws heavily from the middle of the state, with teams from the Piedmont and Triangle taking on the best from the greater Charlotte area. This year, some top-notch teams from south of the state border will add an extra kick to the morning, as well. There's nothing like going to the fastest major course in the Southeast to show everyone how well your summer training went!

On-Site Team Coverage:

Videos and Interviews by Jason Creasy
Photos by Doug Hague

More Information on the Providence Invitational:

WNC Cross Country Carnival (Jackson Park, Hendersonville)

Tradition, an excellent setting, and a strong, competitive field of teams: that's what this meet offers. The Jackson Park course is more challenging than McAlpine, especially when the dew dampens the grass, and it is a beautiful location to take a team and open the season. The event has a long history, especially for runners and coaches in the mountain areas, and it always draws a sprinkling of out-of-state teams (from Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina) to make things even more interesting.