The UIS men's cross country team opens its 2026 season Friday evening at the 11th Annual Prairie Stars Invitational, with the men's race scheduled for 6:40 p.m. at the UIS Cross Country Course.

Due to an active heat advisory, the men's race has been shortened from 7,000 meters to a 5K. The race will follow the women's 5K, which has been moved to a 6 p.m. start.

The UIS Cross Country Course is located along University Drive east of Brookens Library and the Legacy Campus buildings. The start and finish area is positioned near a section of the course the athletes will pass multiple times, providing spectators with several opportunities to see the race.

Friday's meet will also serve as Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night and a #WeAreStars event, bringing members of the campus community together to support the Prairie Stars.

UIS enters the season voted third in the Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason coaches' poll, continuing the program's strong tradition within the conference. The Prairie Stars return a veteran core, and three junior college transfers from Heartland Community College add experience to the roster. 

The Prairie Stars will compete against a field featuring several nearby opponents, including Blackburn, Greenville, Heartland Community College, and Illinois College. GLVC opponents Missouri-St. Louis and Quincy will also compete in the meet.

The Prairie Stars Invitational is the first of four regular-season meets for UIS, with three of the four taking place in Illinois.

Results will be available through TRXC Timing following the race.

Fans are encouraged to come out to the course Friday evening to support the Prairie Stars as they begin the 2026 season at home.