VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State head men's and women's cross country coach Todd Smoot announced the 2026 Blazer cross country schedule.
 
The schedule features five regular-season meets before the postseason, highlighted by the Gulf South Conference Championship and the NCAA Division II South Regional Championship.
 
The season opens on Sept. 4 as the Blazers host the annual VSU Border Clash at Freedom Park in Valdosta. The men's 7.25K race is scheduled for 6:20 p.m. ET, followed by the women's 5K race at 7 p.m. ET. Last season, the men finished second with 50 points, while the women finished third, tallying 86 points
 
Valdosta State then travels to Montevallo, Ala., for the UM Falcon Classic on Sept. 18. The meet will feature an 8K race for the men and a 5K race for the women, with the women's race beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET, followed by the men's race at 9:15 p.m. ET.
 
The Blazers continue their 2026 campaign on Friday, Sept. 25, when they travel to Huntsville, Ala., to compete in the Twilight Meet at John Hunt Cross Country Park. The women will race in the 5K beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET, followed by the men's 8K set to start at 9:30 p.m. ET. 
 
The Blazers return to Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla., on Oct. 9 for the Florida State Invitational. The men's 8K race is scheduled to begin at 7:40 a.m. ET, while the women's 6K race will follow at 8:20 a.m. ET.
 
The final regular-season tune-up comes on Oct. 24 at the UAH Chargers XC Invitational in Huntsville, Ala., at John Hunt XC Park. The men's 8K race is set for 9 a.m. ET, followed by the women's 6K race at 9:50 a.m. ET.
 
Postseason competition begins on Friday, Nov. 6 at the Gulf South Conference Cross Country Championships in Nashville, Tenn. The men's 8K championship race is scheduled for 9 a.m. ET, with the women's 6K race following at 9:45 a.m. ET.
 
The Blazers will then compete at the NCAA Division II South Regional Championship on Nov. 21 at John Hunt XC Park in Huntsville, Ala. The men's 10K race is slated for 9 a.m. ET, followed by the women's 6K race at 9:45 a.m. ET.
 
Stay up to date on all Blazer Athletics news by downloading the Blazer mobile app for exclusive content, gameday notifications, schedules, rosters and more. Fans can also follow @VState_Blazers on Instagram and X and like the Valdosta State Blazers Facebook page.