Cross-country places third at OUAs

After an impressive race season, the Marauders cross-country team earns podium finishes at the OUA championships

The McMaster Marauders cross-country teams capped off a strong season with third-place finishes at the Ontario University Athletics championships on Oct. 26 in North Bay.

Before competing at the OUA championships, the Marauders tested their endurance at three invitational races.

The season began at the Vigars & Salter Western Invitational on Sept. 21, where both the men’s and women’s teams delivered promising performances. Alexander Purnell led the men’s team with a fifth-place finish in the eight-kilometre race, clocking in at 25:40. On the women’s side, Ana Morariu was the Marauders’ top finisher, placing 11th overall with a time of 31:05.

A week later, the Marauders competed at the Don Mills Open on Sept. 28. The men’s team secured a second-place finish, while the women’s team placed fourth.

Their final regular-season race took place at the 8-Kay Marauder Invitational on Oct. 11. The women’s team earned a third-place finish, with Morariu again leading the pack, placing eighth overall. The men’s team finished fourth, with Purnell securing fifth place individually.

The OUA championships in North Bay marked the culmination of the Marauders’ season, and both teams delivered consistent performances.

The men’s team earned a third-place podium finish, with Purnell once again leading the way, finishing sixth overall. On the women’s team, Morariu place ninth, helping secure another third-place team finish.

Following their OUA success, the Marauders will now compete at the U Sports championships on Nov. 9 in Kelowna, B.C. With momentum on their side, the team looks to finish their season on a high note.