The University of Hawai'i women's cross country team will participate in its first mainland competition of the season Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational at Bush's Pasture Park in Salem, Ore.

 

The 36^th annual event is one of the largest collegiate meets on the West Coast with more than 1,140 athletes from 49 college teams. Teams from nine states, all three NCAA divisions, the NAIA and junior college will be competing in addition to club teams and unattached athletes.

 

The women's 5K Cardinal race begins at 10:15 a.m. PT which includes NCAA I, II, and III teams.

 

The Rainbow Wahine will send a contingent of eight athletes, including top runner Ashley Aitken, who won the Big Wave Invitational two weeks ago and placed third at the season-opening BYU-Hawai'i Invitational.

 

What: Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational

Date: Saturday, Oct. 2

Time: 10:15 a.m. PT (Cardinal Women's 5K race)

Where: Bush's Pasture Park; Salem, Ore.

 

The last time UH competed in the Willamette Invitational was in 2007. The Rainbow Wahine placed seventh overall among more than 20 NCAA Division I schools. Chantelle Wilder was the team's top finisher placing ninth with a personal best time of 17:43. In fact, all eight UH runners recorded PRs.

 

UH's Participants: Ashley Aitken, Liisa Cushing, Ashlee Jimenez, Dominique Miller, Mariana Monasi, Kevyn Murphy, Rocio Sanchez, Ali Williams.

 

What's Next: UH will next compete in the Santa Clara Bronco Invitational, Saturday, Oct. 16.