ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The national cross country spotlight returns to the Quad Cities this weekend as Augustana College hosts the 5th Annual Interregional Invitational at Saukie Golf Course on Saturday, Oct. 18. The meet has quickly become one of the premier regular-season Division III events in the nation, drawing powerhouse programs from across the country to preview one of the NCAA's most challenging and historic courses.
This year's competition features an elite national field, highlighted by 12 nationally ranked women's teams and 14 nationally ranked men's teams, along with more than 50 regionally ranked programs. In total, 62 institutions and over 1,800 runners will take to the course representing six of the 10 USTFCCCA regions - the Great Lakes, Mideast, Midwest, North, South, and West.
The Saukie layout will once again serve as a championship-caliber test, doubling as the 2024 and 2026 NCAA Midwest Regional course and the site of the 2025 CCIW Championships. With rolling terrain, strategic elevation, and a fan-friendly layout, Saukie offers the perfect backdrop for high-stakes midseason racing and national implications.
- 9:30 a.m. – Course opens
- 10:35 a.m. – National Anthem
- 11:00 a.m. – Men's DIII Gold Race
- 11:45 a.m. – Women's DIII Gold Race
- 12:30 p.m. – Men's Blue Race
- 1:15 p.m. – Women's Blue Race
- 2:00 p.m. – Men's Open Race
Please note: there will be
no women's open race this year.
Saukie Course Map (MEN)
Saukie Course Map (WOMEN)
Box Assignments
Men's Box Assignments
Women's Box Assignments
D3 Glory Days
Beyond the national-caliber racing, the Augustana Interregional Invitational has evolved into a celebration of Division III cross country culture a weekend that blends championship competition with the camaraderie that defines the sport.
The festivities begin Friday night as D3 Glory Days returns to Rock Island for a special event in the Gävle Rooms inside the Gerber Dining Center, beginning at 7:15 p.m. Teams, coaches, alumni, and fans will come together for stories, laughs, and shared appreciation for the sport that unites them. The evening will include the popular T-shirt exchange, along with limited-edition official D3 Glory Days Interregional shirts available for purchase while supplies last.
That spirit carries into Saturday, where race day promises one of the most electric spectator experiences in the Midwest. With team tent cities, racers from all over, and top-finisher awards for the top 20 in each Gold and Blue division, Saukie Golf Course will once again showcase the energy and excellence that define Division III cross country. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, park responsibly, and take advantage of multiple viewing points throughout the course.
Coach's Corner
Augustana Director of Cross Country
Chad Gunnelson expressed his excitement for this year's meet, emphasizing both the level of competition and the atmosphere that defines the event.
A special thank you to Mike Jay for announcing and our officials starters Pat O'Brien and Dan Gleason, referee Bill Bulat, and clerk Fred Whiteside for their dedication and expertise in ensuring a championship level experience.
Additional Meet Info
Location: Saukie Golf Course – 3101 38th St, Rock Island, IL 61201
Parking: Team vans and cars permitted in the main Saukie lot; bus drop-off only on 38th Street
The 5th Annual Augustana Interregional Invitational continues to build on the program's reputation for hosting high-caliber competition and bringing together some of the best teams and athletes in Division III cross country.
