LAKELAND, Fla. — Southeastern Fire Cross Country has released the 2026 schedule for both the men's and women's programs. The upcoming campaign features four regular-season meets across Florida and Tennessee before postseason championship competition begins in November.
"Both the men and women return a strong core of young runners coming off a successful track season," said head coach
Paul Kurtz. "I'm excited to see that momentum carry over into cross country as we challenge our newcomers and veterans alike to continue improving, compete for a conference championship, and earn a trip to nationals."
The season will open with a local event on Saturday, September 5, at the Uncle Nick's Swan City Bagel Classic at Holloway Park. The men's race is scheduled to start at 7:25 a.m., with the women's race following shortly after at 7:50 a.m.
Following a two-week training period, SEU will travel to Graceville, Fla., on September 18 to compete in the Baptist University of Florida Eagle Invitational. The women's 5k race will start at 8 a.m., while the men's 8k race is set to begin at 8:45 a.m.
October begins with a night meet as the Fire travel to Ave Maria on Friday, October 9, for the Ave Maria Invitational. The women's 6k flight is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., followed by the men's 8k at 7:15 p.m. The regular-season slate will conclude on October 23 in Knoxville, Tenn., at the NAIA Appalachian Challenge. The women's 5k will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the men's 8k is slated for 10:30 a.m.
Postseason action begins on November 7 at the Sun Conference Championships, hosted by Ave Maria. The men's 8k conference title race will begin at 7:45 a.m., followed by the women's 6k championship race at 8:30 a.m.
Qualifying individuals and teams will advance to the NAIA National Championships on November 20 at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, Wash. The men's 8k championship race is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., followed by the women's 6k championship race at 2:30 p.m.
