News Summary

Granite City, Illinois will celebrate a weekend of athletic prowess as it hosts both the Coolidge Junior High Cross Country Invitational and the Robinson/Lang Cross Country Invitational. Families are invited to support young athletes showcasing their talents across various races. With participation from numerous teams, these events promise to be filled with speed, skill, and community spirit. Attendees can find parking near the competition sites and enjoy the excitement as athletes compete for top honors in this long-standing tradition.

Granite City Gears Up for a Weekend of Exciting Cross Country Action

Granite City, Illinois, is all set to welcome both junior high and high school athletes this weekend for a thrilling showcase of speed and stamina! With two cross country meets lined up, local families and sports enthusiasts are in for a treat. So lace up those running shoes and grab your favorite snacks, because it’s time to cheer on the runners as they hit the trails!

Coolidge Junior High Cross Country Invitational

First up on the agenda is the Coolidge Junior High Cross Country Invitational happening on Friday, September 5, at 4 p.m. This event will bring together a fantastic 34 teams from various schools, all competing in four exciting races. Kicking things off is the Top 7 Girls race at 4 p.m., where young athletes will showcase their talents, and the day will wrap up with the Boys Open race scheduled for 5:45 p.m.

Families and friends are encouraged to come out and support their favorite teams and runners. With lots of energy and enthusiasm in the air, this event promises to be a fun-filled afternoon for everyone involved! The vibe will certainly be electric as the young athletes strive to impress with their speed and skill.

Robinson/Lang Cross Country Invitational

The excitement doesn’t stop there! Following the Coolidge meet, the spotlight shifts to the time-honored Robinson/Lang Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, September 6, which begins bright and early at 8:30 a.m. This prestigious meet is celebrating its 52nd year and continues to be a highlight on the cross country calendar. With a record 43 teams participating from across Illinois and Missouri, competitors will have an audience ready to cheer them on.

Originally founded in 1974, this beloved event was renamed in 2021 to honor two legendary coaches—Pete Robinson and Harry Lang—whose contributions helped shape its legacy. This meet has genuinely become one of the premier cross country competitions in the entire state of Illinois over the past five decades!

A Look Back at 2021

Last year’s Robinson/Lang Invitational provided some unforgettable moments! Chatham Glenwood clinched the girls team title, while St. Louis University took home the boys team title. Among individual competitors, Elena Ryback, previously of Father McGivney, stood out in the girls race, clocking in with an impressive time of 16:46.10. On the boys’ side, Zach Thoman from O’Fallon dominated with an astounding finish of 14:20.50!

Parking and Accessibility

For all the eager spectators hoping to catch the action, there will be convenient parking options available. Visitors can park near the start/finish line at the Niedringhaus School or in the spacious parking lot at the Wilson Ice Rink. Just a reminder for those planning to join the fun—arrive early to secure the best spots!

How to Get There

If you’re not sure how to get to Wilson Park, located at 2901 State St., Granite City, Illinois, we’ve got you covered with directions! If you’re coming from the north, hop onto Interstate 55 south, then transition onto Interstate 270 west toward St. Louis. Exit at exit 4 toward Granite City, make a left onto IL-203 South/Nameoki Road, and drive for about 3.5 miles. Easy peasy!

From the south? No problem! Just take Interstate 255 north to Horseshoe Lake Road west, then follow IL-162 and IL-203/Nameoki Road all the way to Granite City High School. Simple as that!

Stay Updated!

Make sure to keep an eye on the results from both invitational meets, which will be available online at www.finallapracing.com. With so many talented athletes ready to unleash their potential, this weekend in Granite City is sure to be one for the books!

So, whether you’re a family member, friend, or just a fan of cross country, come out, get involved, and enjoy a weekend full of action, sportsmanship, and community spirit!

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