Loyola Maryland Cross Country Unveils 2026 Schedule with Challenging Fall Slate
BALTIMORE, Md. — Loyola University Maryland has announced its 2026 cross country schedule, giving the Greyhounds another opportunity to compete against strong regional and national competition throughout the fall. The schedule features a balanced mix of early-season invitationals, prestigious midseason races, and championship meets that will prepare both the men’s and women’s squads for Patriot League competition and the NCAA postseason.
The Greyhounds open their campaign on August 29 at the Temple Owls Invitational, giving the team an early measuring stick against quality programs from around the Mid-Atlantic. The meet has traditionally served as an opportunity for Loyola to evaluate its roster while allowing newcomers to gain valuable collegiate experience.
Two weeks later, Loyola returns to action at the Cantello Invitational on September 13. The event provides another chance for the Greyhounds to improve before the competition level rises significantly in October.
The heart of the season begins with one of the nation’s premier regular-season meets when Loyola travels to the Paul Short Run on October 3. Hosted annually by Lehigh University, the Paul Short Run attracts NCAA Division I programs from across the country and has become one of the most respected cross country events in the United States. Strong performances there often provide valuable national comparisons heading into championship season.
The Greyhounds continue their preparation at the Panorama Farms Invitational on October 17, another highly regarded meet featuring talented competition. The event has become a favorite among East Coast programs because of its challenging course and championship-level field.
Championship racing begins at the end of October, with Loyola setting its sights on the Patriot League Championships. Success there would position the Greyhounds for opportunities at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional, where teams and individuals compete for berths in the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
Loyola has consistently emphasized both athletic and academic excellence within its cross country program, and competing in a schedule filled with nationally respected invitationals should help the Greyhounds continue developing runners capable of earning all-conference honors while preparing for postseason competition. The demanding slate also reflects the coaching staff’s commitment to testing the program against some of the best competition available throughout the region.
2026 Loyola Maryland Cross Country Schedule
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 29 | Temple Owls Invitational | Philadelphia, Pa. |
| Sept. 13 | Cantello Invitational | University Park, Pa. |
| Oct. 3 | Paul Short Run | Bethlehem, Pa. |
| Oct. 17 | Panorama Farms Invitational | Earlysville, Va. |
| Oct. 31 | Patriot League Championships | Worcester, Mass. |
| Nov. 14 | NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships | University Park, Pa. |
| Nov. 22 | NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships | Tallahassee, Fla. |
MSB Take
Loyola’s schedule strikes an excellent balance between development and elite competition. Races such as the Paul Short Run and Panorama Farms Invitational will provide valuable experience against NCAA-caliber fields before the Patriot League Championships. While cross country often flies under the radar compared to Maryland’s more visible sports, the Greyhounds continue to build a competitive program capable of making noise in one of the nation’s toughest regions. Maryland Sports Blog will follow Loyola’s progress throughout the 2026 season as the Greyhounds pursue conference success and NCAA postseason opportunities.
