As the fall collegiate cross country season builds to its thrilling conclusion, all eyes will turn to Columbia, Missouri, for the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships. Set to take place on November 22, 2025, at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course, this highly anticipated event promises intense competition and inspiring performances from the nation’s best student-athletes.
Venue and Schedule
The 2025 Championships will be hosted along the scenic but challenging Gans Creek Cross Country Course, a venue known for its rolling terrain and strategic racing conditions. The women’s 6k championship race kicks off at 10:20 a.m. Eastern Time, followed by the men’s 10k race around 11:10 a.m. Both events will be televised live on ESPNU, with live timing and results available through PrimeTime Timing — making it easy for fans nationwide to follow every stride.
Standout Teams and Competitors
One of the most compelling narratives heading into the meet is the University of Tennessee women’s team, ranked 21st nationally by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). The Lady Vols punch their ticket after a strong runner-up finish at the NCAA South Region Championships, where they scored 101 points with all five scoring athletes finishing inside the top 26. This marks their third consecutive NCAA team appearance and highlights the program’s growing consistency and promise under coach Justin Duncan.
Freshman sensation Mary Nyaboke Ogwoka has been a revelation for Tennessee this season. The Kenyan-born runner has recorded top-10 finishes at all five meets she’s competed in this year and earned both All-SEC and All-Region honors. Her breakout campaign signals a new star rising in the collegiate cross country ranks, and she enters the championships ranked no. 40 individually by FloTrack.
On the men’s side, Tennessee will also be represented by sophomore Zouhair Redouane competing as an individual qualifier in the 10k event. Redouane earned his championship spot with a seventh-place overall finish at the South Region meet, where he was one of the top four individuals on a non-advancing team. His return to nationals — this time representing Tennessee after earning All-America honors last year as a freshman at Cal Baptist — adds another compelling storyline to watch.
What to Watch For
The 2025 NCAA Championships will undoubtedly feature fierce competition across all participating programs. Key themes to observe include emerging talent like Ogwoka, veteran leadership, and tactical races shaped by the rolling, sometimes tactical terrain at Gans Creek.
The Tennessee women are poised to continue their surge in the national rankings, having climbed into the top 25 for the first time this season. Meanwhile, the individual men’s competition is wide open, with runners like Redouane aiming to break into the top echelons of the sport.
Beyond Cross Country: What’s Next for Tennessee
Wrapping up the cross country season, Tennessee will soon pivot to indoor track & field competitions, with its next campaign beginning December 6 at the Winter Commodore Challenge in Nashville. The experience and fitness gained during cross country championships will serve as a foundation for success in the upcoming track season.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships are shaping up to be an exciting culmination of a hard-fought season. Whether you’re a dedicated fan, a participant, or new to the sport, this event showcases the heart, strategy, and endurance that define collegiate distance running. Mark your calendars for November 22, tune into ESPNU, and get ready for the electrifying finish to the 2025 cross country season at XC Central.
For updates and ticket information, stay connected with University of Tennessee Athletics and NCAA cross country coverage.
