Seventh annual Gans Creek cross country classic is the largest meet in Columbia event’s seven-year history

By Brian Hauswirth

You can expect additional traffic all day Friday in south Columbia because of the seventh annual Gans Creek Classic, which is being hosted by Mizzou’s cross country team.

20240927 082448 (002) — Cross country athletes compete at the Gans Creek cross country course in south Columbia (file photo courtesy of Columbia Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Tammy Miller)

The event takes place at the state-of-the-art 320-acre Gans Creek cross country course. Mizzou is hosting 87 schools and six unattached groups, the largest meet in event history. This morning will begin with six collegiate races, starting at 8:15.

cross country course cropped (002) — This is the Gans Creek cross country course in south Columbia (photo courtesy of Columbia Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Tammy Miller)

The Gans Creek classic is Mizzou’s third meet of the 2025 regular season and second at home.