LAREDO, Texas — Texas A&M International University Athletics will welcome approximately 900 runners, coaches, families and spectators to campus Saturday, Sept. 5, for the 2026 TAMIU Cross Country Invitational.
The invitational will bring middle and high school cross country athletes to the TAMIU campus for a full morning of competition featuring varsity, junior varsity, freshman and middle school divisions. The first race is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. with the varsity girls, followed by the varsity boys at 8 a.m.
This year's event will provide student-athletes from across the region an opportunity to compete on a university campus while giving families and community members the chance to experience TAMIU Athletics.
"We are excited and eager to welcome the middle school and high school cross country divisions to the Texas A&M International University campus for the 2026 TAMIU Invitational. This meet has been a tradition since 2001, and we are proud to continue providing young student-athletes with an opportunity to compete, represent their schools, and experience racing on our campus. We wish every runner, coach, and team a safe, successful, and memorable meet. We look forward to seeing everyone at the starting line and continuing the tradition of the TAMIU Invitational," said Benny Rodriguez, TAMIU Head Men's & Women's Cross Country Head Coach.
Although the TAMIU men's and women's cross-country teams will not compete in the invitational, the event is hosted by TAMIU Cross Country as part of its continued commitment to supporting youth and high school athletics in the Laredo community and providing local athletes with opportunities to compete at a collegiate venue.
Rodriguez has led the TAMIU men's and women's cross country programs for 16 seasons and has coached 36 student-athletes to All-Conference honors a combined 41 times.
The 2026 TAMIU Cross Country Invitational will feature nine races throughout the morning:
- 7:30 a.m. — Varsity Girls
- 8:00 a.m. — Varsity Boys
- 8:30 a.m. — Junior Varsity Girls
- 9:00 a.m. — Junior Varsity Boys
- 9:30 a.m. — Freshman Boys and Girls
- 10:00 a.m. — 8th Grade Girls
- 10:15 a.m. — 8th Grade Boys
- 10:30 a.m. — 7th Grade Girls
- 10:45 a.m. — 7th Grade Boys
Varsity races will cover three miles, junior varsity and freshman races will cover two miles, and middle school athletes will compete over a one-mile course. The course consists of dirt, rough terrain and grass.
Team champion and runner-up plaques will be awarded in the varsity divisions, while championship plaques will be awarded in the junior varsity, freshman and seventh and eighth-grade divisions. Medals will be presented to the top 10 runners in each division.
The invitational will be held on the Texas A&M International University campus, located at 5201 University Boulevard in Laredo. Parking will be available near the soccer fields, and an athletic trainer will be on site during the event.
Fans and community members can follow TAMIU Cross Country on social media at @TAMIUCC for the latest Dustdevil Cross Country news, schedules and updates.
ABOUT TAMIU ATHLETICS
Texas A&M International University Athletics is home to the Dustdevils, competing at the NCAA Division II level. TAMIU Athletics is committed to providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel academically, athletically and through service to the community.
For additional information about all TAMIU Athletics, follow TAMIU Athletics @tamiuathletics
