HUNTSVILLE – Welcome to PR’ville – where personal records go down with each race.
Since its opening in 2019, the John Hunt Park cross country course has built its reputation as one of the fastest courses in America, earning the nickname of PR’ville, due to the number of personal records each race.
PR’ville will set records 11 times this season, with some new events highlighting the calendar.
“It is only fitting that the Rocket City has one of the fastest courses in the country and we are excited about the events at PR’ville this season,” said Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “We have an exciting schedule of events that continues the growth of cross country in our community and brings the national spotlight to Huntsville several times.”
The newest event to the calendar is the ON Twilight at PR’ville, the first night race held on the course in partnership with RunningLane offering a one-of-a-kind evening racing experience.
RunningLane continues its tradition of ending the season with the New Balance Cross Country Championships on Dec. 6.
Cross country events are estimated to make more than $5 million in economic impact this season.
“The portfolio of cross country events here in Huntsville drives a significant impact on our community, bringing in thousands of visitors throughout the season,” said Joel Lamp, sports development manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “These events have become a cornerstone of our sports tourism program and continue to grow in size, relevance and stature each year.”
The season kicks off this weekend with the Southern Showcase on Friday and Saturday.
Colleges from across the country will participate Friday morning, with middle and high school races starting that afternoon and continuing through Saturday morning of the 13th.
October features several annual events, with the UAH Invitational on Oct. 11, followed by the Randolph Invitational on Oct. 18.
Collegiate competition takes center stage on the course, with four championships set for this year. The Alabama Community College Conference hosts its championship on Oct. 24, followed by the College Conference of the South championships on Oct. 31. Conference USA will host its championships on the course for the first time on Nov. 1.
Postseason for high school athletes starts with the Alabama Christian Athletics Association championships on Oct. 27 and the AHSAA Class 6A & 7A Sectionals on Oct. 30.
The NCAA Division I South Regionals returns for the third time in course history on Nov. 15 as teams from across the region battle for a berth in the NCAA finals.
Season Schedule
- Friday-Saturday – Southern Showcase
- Sept. 26-27 – Twilight at PR’ville
- Oct. 11 – UAH Invitational
- Oct. 18 – Randolph Invitational
- Oct. 24 – ACCC Championships
- Oct. 27 – ACAA Championships
- Oct. 30 – AHSAA 6A/7A Sectionals
- Oct. 31 – CCS Championships
- Nov. 1 – CUSA Conference Championships
- Nov. 15 – NCAA Division I South Regional Championships
- Dec. 6 – Running Lane Championships
For more information on schedules, event details, and information on the upcoming cross country meets, visit HuntsvilleSports.org.
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