Miles and Memories for GCS XC

August 10, 2026 – This summer was a productive one for the Grace Cross Country teams. While many students were enjoying some extra sleep during summer break, our boys and girls were up four to six days per week, running by 7:00 AM to beat the heat. Combining the boys’ and girls’ mileage, our athletes completed more than 1,500 miles this summer.

The verse we are striving to embody this year is Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Our athletes have spent the summer faithfully investing in themselves, their teammates, and their preparation. The miles have been planted; now we look forward to seeing what kind of harvest God produces throughout the fall.

That investment extended well beyond running. Many of our student-athletes traveled outside their communities this summer to serve on mission trips, including trips to Europe and South America. They had opportunities to serve communities abroad, share the message of Christ, and live out the same mission we emphasize through Grace Athletics.

The beginning of a new season always brings excitement about what could be, but more importantly, it gives us another opportunity to pray about how God might work through these athletes and coaches to influence the world for Christ. We saw that mission lived out in meaningful ways last season, including one of our favorite moments at our very first meet. This year brings another opportunity to create those kinds of miles and memories together.

Grace Cross Country begins competition this Friday, August 14th, at the Hudson Friday Night Lights Relay. This is an unconventional and exciting cross country meet where partners alternate timed miles, with each duo completing four total miles together.

As you see our Cross Country athletes around campus this week, encourage them, not only in their pursuit of fast times and great performances, but in their opportunity to influence the people around them through their effort, attitude, and love for Christ. What a great way to celebrate the end of our first week of school and the beginning of another season together!

Thank you to everyone who has already reached out with encouragement and excitement for the year. We are grateful for the support and can’t wait to see where this season takes us.