SFU Cross Country brought grit, determination and heart to the 2025 GNAC Cross Country Championships in Billings, Montana, delivering standout performances in both the men's and women's races despite significant travel disruptions that prevented them from attending the course preview.
The women's team placed 4
th overall with a team score of 120 and an average time of 22:13.4 over the 6k course. Leading the charge was senior
Rachael Watkins, who earned a bronze medal with a strong time of 21:28.3, securing 3
rd place individually and a spot on the GNAC Women's Cross Country All-Conference Team.
The team's key contributors include:
The men's team also made a strong showing, finishing 5
th overall with a team score of 146 and an average time of 25:29.7 over the 8k course. The team showed consistency, with several runners finishing close together in the top 30.
Top finishers include:
With Watkin's podium finish and both teams placing in the top five, the program continues to build momentum heading into the NCAA West Region Championships.
"I am so proud of the resilience they showed throughout the whole ordeal," shared Head Coach
Brit Townsend addressing the unfavourable travel conditions the team experienced, resulting in their arrival to Seattle the morning of the race. "Although not the performance we had hoped for overall, it was still very respectable, especially considering the conditions. I am looking forward to (all) being rested and recovered for the NCAA Regional Championships in two weeks."
