Mill Spring, NC — The 2026 Tryon International Southern Conference Cross Country Championships presented by Ingles returned to Mill Spring on Saturday, October 31, for a second year of championship competition in Polk County.
For the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission (ABRSC), this event holds special significance as the first event we helped find a home in Polk County. As a regional sports commission, our work extends beyond Asheville and Buncombe County, connecting sporting events with communities and venues throughout Western North Carolina. The championships’ return highlights the relationships that support that work and provides another opportunity to showcase our region.
Southern Conference
On the course, Furman captured both the men’s and women’s team championships, extending each program’s streak to 14 consecutive Southern Conference titles.
Chris Knight led the Paladins in the men’s 8K, winning in 23:57.0 as Furman swept the top six places and finished with a perfect team score of 15. UNC Greensboro placed second, while Western Carolina earned third. The race also marked the 100th anniversary of the first Southern Conference cross country championship.
In the women’s 5K, Furman’s Tessa Walter defended her individual title with a course-record time of 16:24.8. The Paladins claimed the team championship with 19 points, followed by Mercer and Tennessee Tech.
We thank the Southern Conference, Tryon International, presenting sponsor Ingles, and everyone who contributed to welcoming the championship back to Polk County.
We’re proud to have helped this event find its home here and look forward to building more opportunities for communities across Western North Carolina through sports.