John Sample Invitational 2026

Website: 

Saturday, October 3, 2026

GROVE CITY CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL

Coaches and Athletic Directors,

The Grove City Cross Country team is getting ready for another exciting year of competition. Once again, we will be hosting the 26th rendition of our invitational in early October which is always held on the first Saturday in October.  We hope that you will be able to attend this year.

Our championship style course is setup with wide alleys and double white lines and pennants the length of the course..  It is one of the fastest in Western Pennsylvania with 80% grass and gradual hills and only one short steep hill in the second mile. The course is spectator friendly and both the mile and two-mile markers are near the start line where splits will be provided.  As a spectator or coach, you do not have to move very far to see the race or chart your runners. 

Upon receipt of this letter, I would also ask that you send me an e-mail at the address below stating whether you plan on attending, so that we may know how many teams we will need to accommodate this year.

Thank you and good luck in the coming season!

Ben English

Head Cross Country Coach

Grove City High School

E-mail: ben.english@gcasdk12.org

Phone: 724-458-8040 ext. 1223

Cell: 724-372-3505

Events: 

****NEW for 2025 Schedule change due to parking concerns with the park

8:45 a.m. Coaches Meeting - start line

8:55 a.m. National Anthem 

9 am Middle School Girls - 3100 Meters Grades 7 and 8 Unlimited entries

9:30 am Middle School Boys - 3100 Meters Grades 7 and 8 Unlimited entries

10 am Varsity Girls - 5000 Meters MAX 10 entries

10:30 am Varsity Boys - 5000 Meters MAX 10 entries

11 am Combined Junior Varsity Girls and Boys -5000 Meters Unlimited Entries

BREAK

2 pm Elementary Girls 4th grade and under - 1700 Meters

2:20 pm Elementary Boys 4th grade and under -1700 Meters

2:45 pm Elementary Girls Grades 5, 6 - 1700 Meters

3:05 Elementary Boys Grade 5, 6 - 1700 Meters

Course: Open space and wooded areas for scenic racing, mostly flat with some rolling lengthy hills. Mile, 2 mile splits-loop to the start/finish line perfect for spectators. Very fast course.

Directions: From I-79-Exit at Grove City (exit 113), and follow Route 208 east toward Grove City. At Katies Korner Ice Cream Stand, take a left onto George Junior Road and then take 2nd right onto Ballpark Drive.

Restrooms: Facilities available

Past Results: Go to www.runhigh.com and look for the number and quality of teams attending our invite each year. It is always on the first Saturday in October and titled Grove City Invite.

Concession: Food Trucks will be providing food again this year.

T-Shirts: Caiazza Printing - T-shirts match the medals.

Timing: Event will be timed by Runners High. Results will be posted at www.runhigh.com as soon as they are available.

(All names must be registered before the deadline. No adding, switching or substituting of names on race day will be permitted.)

Entry Fee: 

Payment: Bring checks on race day made payable to: Grove City XC Boosters

Or mail to:

Grove City Cross Country Boosters

PO Box 281

Grove City, PA 16127

Awards: 

Contact Information

Race Director and Head Coach

Ben English ben.english@gcasdk12.org

Website: 

Home Phone: (724) 458-8040 Ext. 1221

Cell Phone #724-372-3505

Runhigh.com

S. Mark Courtney e-mail smc@runhigh.com