UIS women's cross country opens its 2026 season Friday evening when it hosts the annual Prairie Stars Invitational at the UIS cross country course.

Due to forecasted hot temperatures, the women's 5K race has been moved to a 6 p.m. start. The men's race will follow at 6:40 p.m. and has been shortened to a 5K.

The Prairie Stars Invitational is the first of four regular-season races for UIS, with three of the four meets taking place in the state of Illinois. UIS was ranked fourth in the GLVC Preseason Poll.

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 fans with several opportunities to see the race unfold.

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

UIS returns a seasoned group in 2026, led in part by senior Kaleigh Inniss, an All-GLVC performer. Inniss is one of five seniors on this year's roster, while six freshmen join the program and will look to make an immediate impact.

The Prairie Stars will compete against a field featuring several opponents from Illinois, including Blackburn, Danville Area Community College, Eureka, Greenville, Heartland Community College, Illinois College, Kaskaskia College and Spoon River. GLVC opponents Missouri-St. Louis and Quincy will also compete in the meet.

Results will be available through TRXC Timing.

Fans are encouraged to come out to the course Friday evening to support the Prairie Stars as they open the 2026 season on their home course.