University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Cross Country Announces 2026 Schedule
July 08, 2026 | Cross Country
ATHENS, Ga. – Georgia's 2026 cross country schedule has been released, according to an announcement from Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Caryl Smith Gilbert.
The slate includes three regular-season meets before the postseason competition begins at the Southeastern Conference Championships in late October.
The Bulldogs open the season on Sept. 4 at the Covered Bridge Open in Boone, N.C. for the second consecutive season. Two weeks later, Georgia returns to action at the John McNichols Invite in Terre Haute, Ind., before closing out the regular season at the Nuttycombe Invitational in Madison, Wis.
The SEC Championships return to Columbia, Mo. for the first time since the 2021 season, and are scheduled for Oct. 30. The postseason slate rolls into November with the NCAA South Regional in Tallahassee, Fla. on Nov. 13. Teams and individuals who qualify will then travel to Terre Haute, Ind., for the NCAA Championships on Nov. 21. This marks the first time since the 2019 season that Indiana State University will host the national championship meet.
The Bulldogs will feature eight newcomers across the men's and women's squads during the 2026 season.
The Georgia men will try to continue last season's success with a returning trio Ryan Olree, Conner Rutherford and Kristers Kudlis. Last season, the Bulldogs finished runner-up at the conference championships and earned a bid to the NCAA Cross Country Championships for the first time since 2013 and placed 24th overall.
"Although it's early, there is a lot to look forward to this season after an excellent 2025 campaign on the men's side and a great building year on the women's side," head coach Adam Tribble said. "We're excited to return to the Covered Bridge Open before heading to Terre Haute for a preview of the national championship course and closing the regular season against a strong field at the Nuttycombe Invitational. We know there will be stiff competition throughout the postseason, but we're looking forward to seeing what these teams can accomplish this fall."
News and updates from Georgia's track & field and cross country teams are always located on X/Instagram at @UGATrack.
The slate includes three regular-season meets before the postseason competition begins at the Southeastern Conference Championships in late October.
The Bulldogs open the season on Sept. 4 at the Covered Bridge Open in Boone, N.C. for the second consecutive season. Two weeks later, Georgia returns to action at the John McNichols Invite in Terre Haute, Ind., before closing out the regular season at the Nuttycombe Invitational in Madison, Wis.
The SEC Championships return to Columbia, Mo. for the first time since the 2021 season, and are scheduled for Oct. 30. The postseason slate rolls into November with the NCAA South Regional in Tallahassee, Fla. on Nov. 13. Teams and individuals who qualify will then travel to Terre Haute, Ind., for the NCAA Championships on Nov. 21. This marks the first time since the 2019 season that Indiana State University will host the national championship meet.
The Bulldogs will feature eight newcomers across the men's and women's squads during the 2026 season.
The Georgia men will try to continue last season's success with a returning trio Ryan Olree, Conner Rutherford and Kristers Kudlis. Last season, the Bulldogs finished runner-up at the conference championships and earned a bid to the NCAA Cross Country Championships for the first time since 2013 and placed 24th overall.
"Although it's early, there is a lot to look forward to this season after an excellent 2025 campaign on the men's side and a great building year on the women's side," head coach Adam Tribble said. "We're excited to return to the Covered Bridge Open before heading to Terre Haute for a preview of the national championship course and closing the regular season against a strong field at the Nuttycombe Invitational. We know there will be stiff competition throughout the postseason, but we're looking forward to seeing what these teams can accomplish this fall."
News and updates from Georgia's track & field and cross country teams are always located on X/Instagram at @UGATrack.
Players Mentioned
Distance
/ Cross Country
Distance
/ Cross Country
Distance
/ Cross CountrySaturday, November 01
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