On Friday, Mizzou was proud to host the annual Gans Creek Classic at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course. Now in its seventh year, the meet continues to position Columbia as a premier destination for cross country competition.

More than 1,500 runners participated across six races in high school and collegiate divisions. The event drew nearly 90 squads from around the country, including more than 20 top-ranked university and college teams, as well as last year’s NCAA champions and runners-up.

Among so many world-class competitors, the Mizzou Women’s team delivered a strong eighth-place finish in the 5,000-meter race, while the Men’s team secured twelfth place in the 8,000-meter race. Both placed ahead of many highly ranked teams. Mizzou freshman Monica Wanjiku finished eleventh overall, one of the top showings among all freshmen.

The Tigers’ season continues on October 16 with the Pre-National Invitational, also held at Gans Creek. Then in November, we welcome the best in the nation as we host the 2025 NCAA Cross Country National Championship.

I want to thank Cross Country Head Coach Brett Halter for the invitation to attend and congratulate all our student-athletes on their hard work and success!

— Mun