Elliott Blount, Head Coach of St. John's Cross Country, announced the 2026 schedule, featuring six races this fall, primarily outside New York. Key returning athletes include Naiara Garcia-Moreno, a strong middle-distance runner with a 6K personal best of 22:19.6, and Attoya Harvey, who has a career best of 23:30.7. The season starts on September 11, with the team competing at the Iona Meet of Champions, a challenging course at Van Cortlandt Park. The schedule includes key events like the Metropolitan Cross Country Championships and ends with the NCAA Northeast Regional Championships on November 13.

By the Numbers
  • The Red Storm will participate in six races during the fall season.
  • Naiara Garcia-Moreno recorded a personal best of 22:19.6 in the 6K last season.
Yes, But

While the team has strong returning athletes, the schedule's heavy out-of-state focus may pose challenges in terms of team dynamics and travel fatigue.

State of Play
  • The season kicks off on September 11 at the Iona Meet of Champions, continuing a tradition of challenging races.
  • The team aims to replicate past performances, having finished in the top four for five consecutive seasons under Coach Blount.
What's Next

Moving forward, the team will focus on preparation for their opening meet and establishing a competitive rhythm ahead of championship season, starting with the Metropolitan Championships on October 10.

Bottom Line

St. John's Cross Country is gearing up for a demanding schedule that highlights their strengths but also presents logistical challenges, making effective preparation crucial for achieving their competitive goals.