NEW YORK – The Columbia cross country program will embark on its 2026 campaign Friday morning, staying local at Van Cortlandt Park to compete in a dual meet against Manhattan.

The meet will consist of a five-mile race for the men at 9 a.m., followed by a 5K race for the women at 10:45 a.m.

 

PRESEASON POLL

The USTFCCCA released its 2026 Preseason Poll and Regional Rankings for both men’s and women’s cross country late last week, with both Columbia programs earning spots in the Northeast Region.

The Columbia women were picked to finish 10th in the Northeast after a 10th-place finish at the 2025 NCAA Northeast Regional.

Meanwhile, the men were projected 12th in the Northeast after finishing ninth at the regional meet last season.

The full men’s preseason poll results can be found HERE, while the full women’s results can be found HERE. 

 

RETURNING LIONS

The Lions return several runners with experience at the Ivy League Heptagonal Championships and NCAA Northeast Regional.

Junior Olivia Murray paced the women’s squad at Heps last season, placing 12th overall in the 6K with a time of 21:41.7. Senior Leanna Johnston followed in 17th (21:50.9), while Seelah Kittelstrom (27th, 22:02.6), Dana Lehr (37th, 22:16.5) and Zahara Bernal (45th, 22:32.7) also return for the Lions.

On the men’s side, Henry Koike-Sieira and Quentin Ryan return after posting personal-best performances at the NCAA Northeast Regional last season. Koike-Sieira clocked a 10K time of 31:03.6, while Ryan finished in 30:52.0. Darren Pasek and Lukas Malek will also look to build on successful rookie campaigns after both finished among Columbia’s top seven at Heps.

NEW FACES

The Columbia cross country and track & field programs welcomed a group of 29 newcomers for the upcoming season, which includes 12 new cross country runners. 

For more information on each individual in the entire class, click HERE. 

The full 2026 cross country roster can be found HERE.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Tomorrow’s meet will be hand timed, with no results avialable online. Stay tuned to gocolumbialions.com for a recap and results in the afternoon after the event. 

Follow @CULionsXCTF on X and Instagram for news of any major records or accomplishments. 

UP NEXT

The Lions return to Van Cortlandt Park next Friday, Sept. 11, for the Iona Meet of Champions.

Stay up to date on all things Columbia cross country and track & field by following the Lions on X (@CULionsXCTF), Instagram (@culionsxctf) and Facebook (@ColumbiaAthletics).