VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State head men's and women's cross country coach Todd Smoot announced Wednesday the 2025 Blazer cross country schedule. 
 
The schedule features four race dates during the regular season, along with the Gulf South Conference Championships and the NCAA South Region Championship.  The season gets underway with the annual Border Clash at Freedom Park in Valdosta on Sept. 5 with the women's race at 6:15 p.m. for a 5K and the men's race follows at 6:50 p.m. with a 7.25K race.
 
Last season, the Blazers had an outstanding showing in the Border Clash as both teams claimed first place in the sixth running of the event on a rainy evening.  The Blazers took home top finishes on both sides as well despite the tough conditions. 
 
Following the Border Clash, VSU travels to Spartanburg, S.C., to compete in the Converse Kickoff on Sept. 13 at the Milliken Research Center. Following that event, the Blazers return to familiar ground as they travel to the Florida State Invitational on Sept. 26 at Apalachee Regional Park.  The women's team is set for a 5K at 7:40 a.m., followed by an 8K race for the men at 8:20 a.m.  VSU has competed in the FSU Invitational numerous times as last year's event was cancelled due to Hurricane Helene. 
 
The 2025 regular season concludes on Oct. 11 with the Charges XC Invitational at John Hunt XC Park in Huntsville, Ala.  The women's race is a 6K and begins at 9 a.m. ET, followed by the men's 8K at 9:50 a.m. ET.  VSU has competed in this event each of the past two seasons.
 
Postseason begins with the Gulf South Conference Championship on Oct. 25 in Memphis, Tenn., at Shelby Farms Park and hosted by Christian Brothers University.  The women's 6K event is scheduled for a 9 a.m. ET start, followed by the men's 8K at 9:45 a.m. ET. 
 
The NCAA Division II South Regional returns to Lakeland, Fla., and Holloway Park in 2025 on Nov. 8.  The NCAA Division II National Championships are set for Nov. 22 in Kenosha, Wis., at Wayne E. Danehl National Cross Country Course.