Sep 5, 2013

Hilton Field 5K Course Map
Directions to Hilton Field
Results (from Timing Inc.)

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A week after taking seven of the top 14 spots in the season-opening Carolina Challenge, the South Carolina cross country team returns to Hilton Field on Friday afternoon for the Gamecock Invitational #1.

The Gamecocks, who ranked second in last week’s outing, face a nearly-completely different field from last week’s strong 5K test against mostly other Palmetto State teams. Savannah State and a slate of NCAA Division II teams (Benedict, Claflin, Erskine, Newberry and Paine) join returning NAIA squad Savannah College of Art & Design, who finished fifth in the Carolina Challenge, in the women’s field at 6 p.m. The other seven teams will all compete in the men’s 5K that begins at 6:45 p.m.

For South Carolina’s assistant track coach for distance and cross country Andrew Allden, this week’s meet will help determine his travel roster for next weekend’s Mountain Dew Invite at the University of Florida. A group of runners led by juniors Alex Mullin and Sarah Pellegrini will vie for the win. Also competing for the Gamecocks are sophomores Kaleigh Higgins, Lannon McCoy, Courtney Swink and Anna Todd and freshmen Brittany Day and Sarah Falta.

The historic Hilton Field is located on Fort Jackson. To enter the base, attendees must have a government-issued photo I.D. for all attending plus proof of car insurance and vehicle registration for the driver to get on the base. The best entrance for fans to enter is the main gate, Gate 2, which enters Fort Jackson from Forest Drive (Exit 12 on Interstate 77). After passing through security in the far-right lane, go one mile on Strom Thurmond Drive before taking a left at the light onto Lee Drive. When the road dead ends, turn right onto Hampton Parkway. The cross country course will be a half mile ahead on the right.

Team buses will enter from Percival Road entrance at Gate 4, which enters at Boyden Arbor Road. To get to the course, go straight for one mile after clearing the guards. At the dead end turn right onto Dixie Road. You will pass an empty guard area in the middle of the road. Turn left at the first paved road after the empty guard area, Golden Arrow Road. Golden Arrow is almost 2 miles long. Turn right onto Hartsville Guard Road. The course will be in 400 meters on your left.

Results will be posted here on GamecocksOnline.com as well as Timinginc.com after the meet’s conclusion.