MSU Cross Country Wraps Regular Season Friday at EMU Fall Classic

EMU Fall Classic
Date: Friday, Oct. 23
Time: Men's 5K: 4:30 p.m. | Women's 5K: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Hudson Mills Metropark (Dexter, Mich.)
Live Results

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Following a competitive showing against national competition at the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational, the Michigan State cross country program returns to the Mitten State to conclude the regular season on Friday, Oct. 23, at the EMU Fall Classic.

Hosted by Eastern Michigan University, the annual tune-up will take place across the trails of Hudson Mills Metropark in Dexter, Michigan.

The meet serves as the traditional regular-season finale for both squads, offering runners a fast 5,000-meter test before the postseason gets underway. Action begins with the men's 5K at 4:30 p.m., followed immediately by the women's 5K at 5:00 p.m.

LAST TIME OUT: NUTTYCOMBE WISCONSIN INVITATIONAL
The Spartans head into the weekend carrying momentum from a stout showing in Madison against one of the nation's premier regular-season fields. The No. 18-ranked Spartan men finished 15th overall, which was third among Big Ten programs behind only Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Spartans were anchored by Thomas Westphal, who placed 33rd overall with an 8K personal-best time of 23:18.6. Moses Osterink followed closely as MSU's second finisher, crossing the line in 23:42.7.

On the women's side, Klaire Eighner paced the championship squad with a season-best 6K performance of 20:24.0 to finish 55th overall, while Taylor Pangburn added a strong scoring effort in 20:44.9.

THE FIELD: REGIONAL & IN-STATE COMPETITION
A fixture on the late-season Michigan racing calendar, the EMU Fall Classic annually brings together an array of regional and state competition to Hudson Mills Metropark. The Spartans will toe the line alongside host Eastern Michigan, in-state rival Michigan, and several regional collegiate programs, division contenders, and unattached competitors. The short-course 5K format offers a dynamic competitive field, matching seasoned varsity runners seeking tactical reps against up-and-coming talent looking to close out the regular season on a fast, rhythm-friendly layout.

Following Friday's regular-season finale, Michigan State turns its full focus to championship month. The Spartans open the postseason at the 2026 Big Ten Cross Country Championships on Friday, Oct. 30, returning to the Thomas Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course in Verona, Wisconsin, before returning home to Forest Akers East to host the NCAA Great Lakes Regional on Friday, Nov. 13.