Cross Country On the Road To Gans Creek Classic This Week

Friday, September 26

Columbia, MO

8:15 a.m.

Tulane University

Gans Creek Classic

Cross Country On the Road To Gans Creek Classic This Week

Sep 25, 2025 | Cross Country

Live Results

New Orleans, LA – This Friday, September 26, marks the exciting next chapter in Tulane University's cross country season as the Green Wave teams gear up for the seventh annual Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Missouri. Held at the picturesque Gans Creek Cross Country Course — a future host of the 2025 NCAA National Championships — this meet promises fierce competition and a showcase of top-tier talent.

Race Schedule & Participants
The women will kick off the action at 9 a.m. competing in the 6K Gold Invitational, with Tulane's squad aiming to build on their recent success. The Tulane women will send Dorcas Naibei, Blezzin Kimutai, Petra Dos Santos, Alex Sharp, Haley Harper, Dana Rojas Vazquez, Reese Ragland, and Elena Liano-Rengel to race in the Gold Invitational. Two of their standout runners, Janae Dean and Allison Hall, will participate in the Black Invitational at 10:30 a.m., giving the team extra opportunities to shine. The men will race first in the 8K Black Invitational at 8:15 a.m. with Henry Hammel and Daniel Reza in competition. The Gold Invitational starts at 9:45 a.m., with Bernard Cheruiyot, Silas Kiptanui, Illia Kunin, Rogerio Amaral, Gilbert Rono, Tommy Rice, Juan Giron, and Paul James Pam leading the charge.

Team Rankings & Field Strength
Both Tulane teams are ranked No. 2 in the South Central Region, reflecting their strong performances this season. The men's team holds a national ranking at No. 23, while the women are receiving votes nationally, signaling their potential to make waves on the national stage.

The competition will be intense, featuring an impressive roster of opponents. The women's field includes 16 nationally ranked teams, such as No. 6 Alabama, No. 2 Oregon, No. 3 New Mexico, and No. 9 Washington, among others. On the men's side, 21 ranked teams will race, including No. 1 Iowa State, No. 2 New Mexico, and No. 4 BYU. The high level of competition promises a thrilling race and a valuable measuring stick for Tulane as they prepare for postseason challenges.

Looking Back & Forward
Reflecting on their recent triumphs, Tulane's cross country teams delivered an electrifying performance at the Battle of New Orleans on August 29. The women dominated with 18 points, led by Dorcas Naibei's individual victory — her time of 13:31.12 was the fifth-fastest ever at the event. Blezzin Kimutai, Alex Sharp, and Haley Harper also posted top-five finishes, showcasing the depth and talent of the squad.

The men's team similarly dominated, with Bernard Cheruiyot winning his second consecutive title in a blazing 14:08.53 — the second-fastest time ever on that course. Silas Kiptanui, Illia Kunin, and Gilbert Rono rounded out the top finishers, cementing Tulane's reputation as a rising national cross country program.

Cheruiyot and Naibei's stellar performances earned them the title of Americans Runners of the Week, highlighting their individual excellence and leadership.

Looking Ahead
Following the Gans Creek Classic, Tulane will head to Fayetteville, Arkansas, on October 4 for the Chili Pepper Festival at the University of Arkansas, continuing their pursuit of excellence and regional supremacy.

Follow Tulane cross country and track & field on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

WE ARE NOLA BUILT
Tulane University is located in the city of New Orleans. It is a city built on tradition and resiliency. The lessons Green Wave student-athletes have learned through their connection with this university and city have BUILT doctors, lawyers, business leaders, conference champions, all-conference players, all-Americans, professional athletes and NCAA tournament teams. The city of New Orleans has shaped us into who we are today. We are One City. We are Tulane. We are NOLA BUILT. Check out our story at NolaBuilt.com.

---TulaneGreenWave.com---