10/29/2026 12:05:00 PM | Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
ALBANY, N.Y. – The UMass Lowell men's and women's cross country teams are set to take on the conference's best at the 2026 America East Cross Country Championships this Friday, October 30, at UAlbany. The men will look to capture their seventh consecutive conference championship, while the women aim to return to the top of the conference after finishing fifth last season.
"I'm looking forward to this weekend," said Head Coach Gary Gardner. "The men certainly haven't run their best team race yet, so we're hoping it all comes together on Friday. Will Simard and Nick Marcotte have run well all season, and we want the rest of the team to run to their ability as well. The women have had a really good season thus far. We have a nice mix of experience and inexperience, so it's been fun to see them grow each week. I'm looking forward to seeing how they compete this weekend."
The women's 5K race is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the men's 8K race at 12:00 p.m. The awards ceremony is slated for approximately 1:15 p.m.
The River Hawks have established themselves among the conference's top programs in recent years, with the men's team looking to continue its championship tradition. In addition to its seventh consecutive team title, the squad will look to extend its individual success, as UMass Lowell has produced seven of the last nine men's individual champions.
On the women's side, the River Hawks will look to reclaim the team title after a three-year championship drought. With a combination of returning experience and emerging talent, the squad will aim to put together a strong team performance and contend for its fourth championship in program history. The River Hawks previously won three consecutive titles from 2020-2022.
The River Hawks have spent the fall preparing for championship season, competing in a variety of meets designed to build experience and sharpen their performances against different levels of competition. Races at Vermont, UMass Dartmouth, UAlbany and Central Connecticut State have provided opportunities for younger runners to gain collegiate experience and establish themselves, while appearances at the Paul Short Run and Under Armour Pre-Nationals have challenged the team against strong fields. Those efforts will be put to the test as UMass Lowell takes on the conference field this weekend.
On the men's side, the River Hawks will rely on a blend of returning contributors and younger talent as they pursue another championship. The squad returns two of last year's All-Conference selections in junior Devin Moreau and sophomore Will Conklin, who will look to build on their previous success. Along with several other runners with conference championship experience and younger runners looking to prove themselves at a high level, the squad will aim to deliver another strong performance.
The women's squad will look to build on last year's showing with the return of two-time America East individual cross country champion Mary-Kate Finn. After capturing individual titles in 2023 and 2024, Finn will lead the River Hawks into Friday's race as they pursue another championship. Junior Georgia Brooks also returns after earning First Team All-Conference honors last fall, while several other runners with championship experience will look to improve upon their previous performances. The team will also rely on less experienced runners to step up and make an impact as the River Hawks work toward their goals.
"I'm looking forward to this weekend," said Head Coach Gary Gardner. "The men certainly haven't run their best team race yet, so we're hoping it all comes together on Friday. Will Simard and Nick Marcotte have run well all season, and we want the rest of the team to run to their ability as well. The women have had a really good season thus far. We have a nice mix of experience and inexperience, so it's been fun to see them grow each week. I'm looking forward to seeing how they compete this weekend."
The women's 5K race is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the men's 8K race at 12:00 p.m. The awards ceremony is slated for approximately 1:15 p.m.
The River Hawks have established themselves among the conference's top programs in recent years, with the men's team looking to continue its championship tradition. In addition to its seventh consecutive team title, the squad will look to extend its individual success, as UMass Lowell has produced seven of the last nine men's individual champions.
On the women's side, the River Hawks will look to reclaim the team title after a three-year championship drought. With a combination of returning experience and emerging talent, the squad will aim to put together a strong team performance and contend for its fourth championship in program history. The River Hawks previously won three consecutive titles from 2020-2022.
The River Hawks have spent the fall preparing for championship season, competing in a variety of meets designed to build experience and sharpen their performances against different levels of competition. Races at Vermont, UMass Dartmouth, UAlbany and Central Connecticut State have provided opportunities for younger runners to gain collegiate experience and establish themselves, while appearances at the Paul Short Run and Under Armour Pre-Nationals have challenged the team against strong fields. Those efforts will be put to the test as UMass Lowell takes on the conference field this weekend.
On the men's side, the River Hawks will rely on a blend of returning contributors and younger talent as they pursue another championship. The squad returns two of last year's All-Conference selections in junior Devin Moreau and sophomore Will Conklin, who will look to build on their previous success. Along with several other runners with conference championship experience and younger runners looking to prove themselves at a high level, the squad will aim to deliver another strong performance.
The women's squad will look to build on last year's showing with the return of two-time America East individual cross country champion Mary-Kate Finn. After capturing individual titles in 2023 and 2024, Finn will lead the River Hawks into Friday's race as they pursue another championship. Junior Georgia Brooks also returns after earning First Team All-Conference honors last fall, while several other runners with championship experience will look to improve upon their previous performances. The team will also rely on less experienced runners to step up and make an impact as the River Hawks work toward their goals.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
Dist.
/ Men's Cross Country/Track & Field
Dist.
/ Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
/ Men's Cross Country/Track & Field
Dist.
/ Men's Cross Country/Track & FieldMonday, May 11
Monday, May 11
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Sunday, February 22
