Thursday, October 28 2010 - Carnival Type Atmosphere Expected at OUA Cross Country Championships Organizers are billing the 2010 OUA Cross Country Championships as a carnival type atmosphere, with free hot dogs, tattoos, kids race, a trail half marathon in addition to the marquee events. The host Guelph Gryphons are hoping to see the faithful from “The Running Capital of Canada” come out to support the team in their pursuit of their seventh consecutive women’s team title and sixth consecutive men’s title. The event will also include a trail half marathon, which is billed as the “Run For Lestho” with proceeds going to support the African nation. A community race called the Devil’s Run and a free kids one kilometre run presented by the University’s Believe To Achieve program also proceed the Championships. Fans are encouraged to wear Gryphon gear with the first 200 wearing a Gryphon shirt receiving a free hot dog in the Gryphzone. Temporary tattoos will also be available as will many of Canada’s top distance runners from the Speed River Track and Field club who will be on site signing autographs.

All the action will start Saturday morning on the north side of the Guelph Arboretum, with the Lestho Trail Half Marathon kicking things off at 9 am, the Devil’s Run will begin at 10:30, with the kids race set for 11:45. The Championships portion of the day will begin at noon with the top ranked Gryphons taking on the number two ranked McMaster Marauders in the women’s race. The men will follow at 12:45 with the Gryphons who are also ranked first in the country taking on the second ranked Windsor Lancers.