Virginia Set to Host Panorama Farms XC23 Invitational Saturday
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia men’s and women’s cross country programs are set to host the Panorama Farms XC23 Invitational at Panorama Farms on Saturday (Oct. 15). The men’s 8k race will start at 10 a.m. followed by the women’s 5k at 11 a.m. The programs will welcome Hicham El Guerrouj to guest start both races and host an autograph session immediately following the women’s race.
Fans can follow the action through a live results link posted to VirginiaSports.com. Updates will also be available on the program’s official Twitter account (@UVATFCC).
Competing Teams: The field of competition includes teams from across the nation as well as eight teams ranked or receiving votes in the USTFCCCA’s latest top-30 poll.
Men’s Teams
Boston University, Boston College, (RV) Cal Poly, No. 30 Charlotte, Dartmouth, Eastern Kentucky, Johns Hopkins, Kentucky, Norfolk State, (RV) Ole Miss, Penn, No. 18 Texas, VCU, No. 19 Virginia, Virginia Tech, No. 7 Wake Forest, and William & Mary
Women’s Teams
Boston University, Boston College, Charlotte, Dartmouth, Eastern Kentucky, Johns Hopkins, No. 27 Kentucky, (RV) Liberty, Norfolk State, (RV) Ole Miss, Penn, (RV) Texas, UConn, VCU, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and William & Mary
Hicham El Guerrouj
El Guerrouj dominated the 1500-meter distance from 1995 through 2004 as he won four world championships as well as a pair of Olympic gold medals. Over a nine-year period, El Guerrouj raced in 86 finals at 1500m and the mile and won 83 of those races.
The Moroccan runner’s first Olympic gold came in the 1500m at the Athens Games in 2004. After finishing as the runner-up in the 1500m in Sydney, El Guerrouj battled Bernard Lagat (current American record holder in the 1500m) in a stride-for-stride finish before pulling away to take the gold medal. Four nights later, El Guerrouj won his second Olympic gold in the 5000m becoming the first runner to achieve the 1500/5000 double since Paavo Nurmi in 1924.
El Guerrouj currently holds the world record in the 1500 meters with his time of 3:26.00. He also holds the world’s fastest mile time at 3:43.13.
Best Spectator Route to Panorama Farms:
The Virginia track and field program recommends that spectators use the following routes to avoid traffic when attending the XC Invitational at Panorama Farms.
From the South:
Head Northbound on US 29/Seminole Trail to Rio Rd. Turn left (westbound) on Rio Rd. Take Rio Rd. to Berkmar Dr. and turn right (northbound). Take Berkmar Dr. to Rio Mills Rd. and turn left (westbound). Take Rio Mills Rd. to Earlysville Rd. and turn left (soutbound). Take Earlysville Rd. to Panorama Rd. and turn right (westbound). Continue on Panorama Rd. to entrance of Panorama Farms.
From the North:
Head Southbound on US 29/Seminole Trail to Rio Rd. Turn right (westbound) onto Rio Rd. Take Rio Rd. to Berkmar Dr. and turn right (northbound). Take Berkmar Dr. to Rio Mills Rd. and turn left (westbound). Take Rio Mills Rd. to Earlysville Rd. and turn left (soutbound). Take Earlysville Rd. to Panorama Rd. and turn right (westbound). Continue on Panorama Rd. to entrance of Panorama Farms.
ADA golf carts will be available for those that need to be shuttled closer to the start line area.
Panorama Farms & XC23
In addition to serving as the home course for the Virginia men’s and women’s cross country programs, Panorama Farms will serve as the location for both the 2022 ACC Championships on Friday, Oct. 28, as well as the 2023 NCAA Championships in November of next year.