FLORENCE, Ala. (October 15, 2026) – The University of North Alabama cross country programs are set to race on Friday at the McFarland Park course in Florence, Ala. The men will run an 8K starting at 8 a.m. and the women will run a 5K following the men at 8:45 a.m.
This will be the second home meet hosted by UNA this season.
Connor Callahan elected the second McFarland race be named after well-known North Alabama administrator, coach and athlete Sherry Kennemer.
Kennemer was a dual sport athlete competing on the tennis court for two years and running cross country for two years. After graduating in 1990, Kennemer was a graduate assistant for the women's tennis and cross country programs before becoming an administrator in 1994. Kennemer worked for UNA from 1992 to 2007 before rejoining staff in 2018. She played a key role in the growth of the cross country programs here at UNA, and she continues to assist and support all UNA athletics teams in her role as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Success.
The Lions raced last Friday, Oct. 9 in Tallahassee, Fla. for the FSU Pre-Regional race. The men finished fourth among 12 teams, and the women finished eighth of 16 teams competing.
Junior Brian Bett led the way finishing sixth with an 8K time of 25:29.5. Following Bett were Vincent Chepkwony, Nathan Buckeridge, Jack Gruber and Brent Lyons. The men's team had the third-fastest team average at the FSU Pre-Regional with a time of 26:17.3.
Junior Sandra Maiyo was the first to cross the line for the Lions in the women's race with a 6K time of 23:55.6. Maiyo was followed by Taylor Williams, Alexis Renn, Lillie Meeks and Katie Dumas.
After the Kennemer Classic, the Lions will have a week to prepare before the UAC Championship on Friday, Oct. 30. This race will be held in Richmond, Ky. at the University Club at Arlington.
For live results from the Kennemer Classic, click here.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
