STANDISH, Maine – The 2026 Saint Joseph's College men's and women's cross country schedule has been announced. The Monks are slated to compete in six regular-season meets before taking part in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship and NCAA East Regional.
Under the direction of fourth-year Head Coach Michael Burleson, Saint Joseph's enters the season following a successful 2025 campaign. The men captured their second GNAC Championship in three years, while the women placed third at the conference meet.
The season begins on Saturday, September 5, when Bates College hosts the NCAA Regional Preview at the Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland. The 6:00 PM meet gives Saint Joseph's an early opportunity to compete on the same course scheduled to host the NCAA East Regional in November.
September 5 – NCAA Regional Preview
Wainwright Sports Complex – South Portland, Maine
The Monks open the campaign against a competitive field featuring programs from across New England. Beyond serving as an early-season test, the meet gives both teams valuable experience on the regional championship course.
September 12 – Keene State
Keene, New Hampshire
Saint Joseph's travels to Keene State for its second competition of the season. The Monks also raced in Keene last fall, with the women placing 21st and the men finishing 25th at the Keene State Invitational.
September 19 – Maine State Meet
Pickard Cross Country Course – Brunswick, Maine
The Monks return to Brunswick for the second consecutive season to compete against collegiate programs from across the state. At the 2025 Maine State Championships, the Saint Joseph's women placed eighth with 223 points, while the men finished 10th with 273 points.
October 4 – Colby-Sawyer
Morris Trail – New London, New Hampshire
The October schedule begins with a trip to Colby-Sawyer. Both Saint Joseph's teams opened the 2025 season with third-place finishes at the Charger Invitational in New London. The women scored 52 points, while the men totaled 70.
This year's meet carries additional significance, as the Monks return to Morris Trail four weeks later for the GNAC Championship.
October 9 – Franklin Pierce
Rindge, New Hampshire
Saint Joseph's heads to Franklin Pierce for a Friday afternoon meet and its final road competition of the regular season. The 3:45 PM race also serves as the Monks' last tune-up before their lone home meet.
October 17 – Coach Dann Runnin' Monk Classic
Standish, Maine
The Coach Dann Runnin' Monk Classic returns for its second annual running. The event honors longtime coach Tom Dann, who has dedicated nearly three decades to the College's cross country and track and field programs.
Saint Joseph's enjoyed a strong showing at the inaugural event in 2025. The women won the team competition with 23 points, while the men placed third with 58 points. The home meet concludes the regular season and provides one final competition before the conference championship.
November 1 – GNAC Championship
Morris Trail – New London, New Hampshire
Hosted by Colby-Sawyer, the GNAC Championship opens the postseason for both Saint Joseph's teams.
The men enter as defending conference champions after scoring 44 points to claim the 2025 crown. Saint Joseph's has won two of the last three GNAC men's championships. On the women's side, the Monks aim to build upon a third-place finish and 68-point performance at last year's meet.
November 14 – NCAA East Regional
Wainwright Sports Complex – South Portland, Maine
The scheduled campaign concludes with the NCAA East Regional, hosted by Bates College. Saint Joseph's returns to the site of its season-opening meet with the benefit of prior experience on the championship course.
