CHICAGO – The Loyola University Chicago cross country teams are set to begin the 2024 campaign this Friday (Aug. 30). The Ramblers will compete in the North Park/CUC Early Invitational at Schiller Woods in Chicago.

The women's 5K is set to commence at 4 p.m. while the men's 5K will conclude the day at 4:45 p.m. CT.

Ahead of the race, the Loyola Chicago men fourth and sixth, respectively, in the Midwest region of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) preseason regional rankings.

Friday will be the first cross country meet since the Ramblers' decorated 2023 campaign. On top of the men and women sweeping the Atlantic 10 title for the second straight season, Loyola Chicago sent Chris Devaney, the A-10 individual men's champion, to the NCAA Cross Country Championships where he posted an All-American performance.

Following Friday, the Maroon and Gold will race in the Notre Dame National Catholic Championships on Sept. 20 before the 45th annual Sean Earl Loyola Lakefront Invitational returns to the shores of Lake Michigan Oct. 4.