Mercer XC Set to Host 10th Annual RunFit Sports Invitational Saturday

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MACON, Ga. – More than 650 individual runners from both college and high school are expected when Mercer University cross country plays host to its 10^th annual RunFit Sports Invitational on Saturday morning (Sept. 17) at the Georgia Industrial Children's Home course.  The college women's 5K race begins at 8:15 a.m., followed by the college men's 8K at 8:50 a.m.

There are 18 collegiate teams expected to compete. Host Mercer is the defending champion in both the women's and men's races. MU's Chris Svidesskis, a junior, returns as the defending men's individual winner from 2010.  However, the Bears' women's winner from 2010, junior Kacie Niemann, will likely miss the race while still recovering from an ankle sprain.

The MU women were led by sophomore Sammy Woller last week at the Georgia Southwestern Remembrance Run. Woller was the first collegiate finisher in a time of 19:46.4.  Men's sophomore Sony Prosper led the Bears at the University of Georgia Bulldog Invitational, clocking a 26:11.35 in the season opener two weeks ago, good for 19^th place overall, out of 118 runners .

"I expect both of our teams to go out and win this event," MU head coach Ryan Bailey said. "That's our goal every time we enter a race. We know the course and should have that 'fire' to defend our team title.

"Both teams have had some strong individual performances in the early going and I like the work ethic I am seeing. Our familiarity with the course and the fact that it can be a relatively fast course – might mete out some good times if the weather cooperates, as well."

The RunFit Invitational is unique in that it will have both GHSA and GISA teams competing in succession, as well. While not permitted to run against each other, members from the two divisions will be on the exact same 5K course on the same day. The high school schedule is GHSA boys at 9:30 a.m. and GHSA girls at 10:10 a.m.  That will be followed by GISA boys at 10:50 a.m. and GISA girls at 11:30 a.m.  GHSA junior varsity races for girls and boys begin at 12:10 p.m. and 12:50 p.m., respectively.

Admission is free, but a $5 per car parking fee is being assessed with a portion of the proceeds going to the Children's Home, as well as all the profits from concession sales at the event.

The Georgia Industrial Children's Home is located at 4690 Mumford Road in Macon.