CHICAGO – The Loyola University Chicago cross country teams are in action this Friday (Sept. 19) as they head to South Bend for the Notre Dame National Catholic Invitational on Burke Golf Course.

The National Catholic Invitational, previously called the National Catholic Championship, held its first men's race in 1980 and its first women's race in 1984; this year's event features a men's 8,000-meter race at 2:30 p.m. CT and a women's 5,000-meter race at 3:15 p.m. CT.

Bellarmine, Canisius, DePaul, Detroit Mercy, Lewis, Loyola Chicago, Mercyhurst, Mount Mercy, Notre Dame, the Notre Dame Running Club (non-varsity), St. Francis (Illinois), Saint Francis (Indiana) and Thomas More will be competing.

Last time out, the Loyola women's cross country claimed its first team victory of the season at the North Park/CUC Early Invitational, with Mackenzie Armstrong, Lindsey Kiehl, Jo Collins and Frannie Perry crossing the 5K finish line together in 19:21.

Following Friday, the Ramblers will host the Sean Earl Loyola Lakefront Invitational Oct. 3.