Cross Country Set to Host Mitchell Invitational on Saturday

NEW LONDON, Conn. - For the first time in program history, the Mitchell College men's and women's cross country teams will host an on-campus meet on Saturday, September 17.

The Mitchell Invitational will consist of a pair of 5k races. The women's race will begin at 10 a.m. while the men's race is slated to go off at 10:45 a.m. In addition to the Mariners, the field also includes Newbury College, Wheelock College and Dean College.

While the Mariners have hosted the event in previous years, the lack of an on-campus course had forced the program to utilize Stenger Farm Park in Waterford. However, with recent renovations to Alfred Mitchell Woods, race planners were able to plot a course that begins and ends on campus while utilizing sections of the Woods.

"Hosting a cross country meet on our own campus is a big deal to our teams," said head coach Alyssa Bannon. "Our runners get to experience the 'home game' feel that our other programs enjoy, and being right here on campus allows for friends and family to easily follow the action. The course is spectator-friendly with various places to view the action, and our student-athletes are really excited to showcase their talents and run their best."

An endowed land trust, the Woods is 26 acres of park and woods that includes Little League fields, tennis courts, a cottage and natural trails with a pond, wetlands, meadow and woodland features. It sits adjacent to the College and is utilized by members of both the Mitchell and New London communities alike.

Mitchell College, trustee of the Woods, developed a master plan in 2015 and completed work this spring on improvements to the trails for running and walking, a central pedestrian walkway with a brick gateway, a "Green Monster" in the Fenway Park Little League field, a natural elements playground and improved traffic control with a new driveway.

Up next in the plan is work on the pond, the meadow and the gateway on Ocean Avenue. Dominion Energy has been a strong supporter of the Mitchell Woods renewal with grants funding investigation and work on the pond, along with a full complement of volunteers who built a boardwalk to protect a wetland area. 

"Without the renovation of the Woods – along with the help of so many different departments on campus – this event would not be possible," said Bannon. "Not many colleges are able to host meets on campus, and we are extremely fortunate and grateful for this opportunity."

Saturday's races will begin and end at Alumni Field behind the Yarnall Athletic Center. Admission is free and open to the public.