BRONX, N.Y. — The Columbia cross country program opened the 2026 campaign on Friday morning, sweeping the podium in a dual meet against Manhattan at Van Cortlandt Park.
The Columbia men produced a dominant performance in the 6,000-meter race, claiming the first five positions to defeat the Jaspers. Brady Hill, Trent Thibault, Henry Koike-Sieira, Liam Hanemann and Quentin Ryan crossed the finish line together in 20:48.
In the women’s 4,000-meter race, Columbia placed five runners among the top seven. Olivia Murray and Ava Malagisi led the Lions with matching times of 15:54, followed closely by Leanna Johnston in 15:55.
Manhattan’s Bailee Christofis and Julia Hendricks finished in 15:57 before Columbia’s Caroline Jankowich and Zarah Bernal rounded out the Lions’ scoring group in 15:59 and 16:04, respectively. Dana Lehr also finished in 16:04 for Columbia.
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The Lions return to Van Cortlandt Park next Friday, Sept. 11, for the Iona Meet of Champions.
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