BRIDGEWATER, Va.- The runners of EMU Cross Country toed the starting line for the first time in 2026 on Tuesday, making the short trek down Route 42 for the annual Eagle Cross Country Challenge, hosted by Bridgewater College on their campus.
In the women's race, the Royal runners raced a 4k (2.49 miles) against teams from Shenandoah, Mary Baldwin and the host school Bridgewater, placing third as a squad.
Erin Loker, a junior from Harrisonburg, provided the highlight of the evening for the Royal women, winning individually with a time of 16:14.9, crossing the finish line 22 seconds ahead of runner-up Olivia Morra of Bridgewater.
Shenandoah won the team title with a low score of 26 points.
Highlights
- Team Score: 63 points (3rd of 4)
- Claire Hurst, the senior from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, finished 10th in a time of 18:30.9.
- Sarah Wheeler, a senior from Hudson, Michigan, was the next Royal across the line in 17th place, clocking in at 20:25.2
- Eve Detter (21st/23:33.9) and Fortie Chipeta (22nd/23:39), also both seniors, completed the scoring five for the EMU women.
What's Next
The EMU cross country teams will take their turn as the host school when they hold their annual Roland & Darlene Landes Invitational on campus this Friday, Sept. 4. The men's 5k will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the women's 5k at approximately 7 p.m.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the EMU cross country program this year, follow EMU Athletics on Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.
