LU Women Reach Historic Placement as Flames Kick Off Fall ‘26 Season at Zmijewski WakeMed Invitational.

The LRC kicked off the 2026 XC season at the Zmijewski WakeMed Invitational in Cary, NC. Both the men and the women raced 5ks as they battled the intense September heat.

The men did not have a full scoring team. They were led by George Crowder, who finished 22nd overall with the Flames’ top time of 17:47.38. Blake Nieter, Andrew Ehresman, and Greg Rehberg rounded out the LU men.

The LU women recorded a program-best third-place finish, falling to the North Carolina Tar Heels and the NC State Wolfpack. The Lady Flames defeated squads from the University of Georgia and High Point University.

The Lady Flames were paced by newcomer Eliana Mah, who placed 18th with a time of 22:54.99. Mah was followed by a tight pack of Flames, with Sienna Taylor, Miriam Crowder, and Lauren Keimig placing 27th, 29th, and 30th, respectively. The Liberty women were rounded out by Amy Deml, who placed 43rd.

This marked the LRC’s debut at Wake Forest’s home meet. The Flames return to action this Saturday, September 12, at the Cavalier Invitational. The meet is located at Panorama Farms and Earlysville, Virginia, and provides a preview of the 2026 NIRCA Mid-Atlantic Regional Course. Signups are due to the club by September 9. Alumni are welcome to join for the Open 5k at 8:30 AM. For more information about racing, email the club at libertyrunningclub71@liberty.edu.