The annual Caleb Coleman Cross Country Invitational is set for Oct. 9 at the Columbia Water Park.
Columbia Academy has been hosting the event since 2009, and in 2012 the race was named for the Cougars runner who was killed in a car crash in 2011. The girls race begins at 3 p.m. with the boys to follow at about 3:45.
CA cross country coach Duane Powell said they hope to exceed last year’s totals of 26 teams and 415 runners. Schools and runners are continuing to register, so an exact count won’t be known until next weekend’s race. As of Monday 20 teams were registered, coming from as far away as Starkville.
“It’s gotten bigger every year since we began it. This one is our 10th race. I hope we can get up to 30 teams. I think that would about max us out,” Powell said. “I’m sure it would be well over 400 runners. I think the course could handle 230-240 at a time.”
CA’s teams are strong this year and are both expected to compete for state Oct. 23 at Choctaw Trails in Clinton, according to Powell.
“We have only nine boys and out of that only one senior, Warren Parker,” he said. “The girls team has been ranked No. 1 in Class 3A, though they are currently ranked No. 2. They’ve got a good shot to win state. There are 11 girls, and our oldest is only a sophomore.”
Powell is hopeful that large crowds attend next week’s event as in the past.
“We’re going to have a concession stand with Newk’s sandwich boxes,” he said. “Come out and enjoy the run and a little dinner.”
