NEW ORLEANS – The Sun Belt Conference announced Thursday that the Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley, will serve as the site of the 2022 Sun Belt Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships.

The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 29. The women’s 5K race will commence at 10:02 a.m. and the men’s 8K race at 11:00 a.m.

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Foley Sports Tourism and the City of Foley,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said. “This will provide our programs the opportunity to compete in a great championship atmosphere that will benefit our cross country student-athletes, coaches, and fans from each program.”

It will mark the first time that the Sun Belt Cross Country Championships will be contested at a neutral site. It extends the partnership that the league has with the City of Foley and Foley Sports Tourism. Foley also serves as the home of the Sun Belt Women’s Soccer Championship (since 2016) and the Sun Belt Volleyball Championship (since 2020).

“We are so grateful to gain yet another Sun Belt Championship event here in Foley,” said David Thompson, Executive Director of Leisure Services for Foley Sports Tourism. “Our hope is that these athletes take away an unforgettable experience and a reason to come back to our area.

“The Sun Belt Conference was one of our first partnerships with Foley Sports Tourism and we always appreciate opportunities to expand our relationship to a new group of Sun Belt visitors. When we work with remarkable partners like the Sun Belt, it’s a win not only for the event’s participants and spectators, but a positive economic impact for our local community, as well.”