University of Louisville
John McNichols Invitational
Louisville Cross Country Opens Season at John McNichols Invitational
September 19, 2026 | Cross Country
Kipruto finishes runner-up in the men's 8K race
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The University of Louisville cross country teams kicked off their 2026 season on Saturday morning at the John McNichols Invitational against nationally ranked competition.
The Louisville women finished the race with a combined total of 280 points, landing them in tenth place.
Nancy Chepleting led the charge for the Cardinals, as the junior posted a 6K time of 20:18.6 to finish 13th overall. Following close behind was freshman Winnie Chebet, who finished her first collegiate race with a time of 20:41.3, landing her in 22nd place.
Haley Meade was the third Cardinal to cross the line, finishing 60th in 21:21.1. Libby Dowty recorded a time of 21:44.6, placing 90th in her collegiate debut. The top five Cardinals were rounded out by Olivia Alessandrini, who finished 109th with a time of 22:02.5
Along with the women's 10th place finish, the Louisville men finished 17th with 380 points.
Elsingi Kipruto launched his sophomore campaign, leading the charge for the Cardinals. Kipruto spent the duration of the race at the front of the pack, finishing in second place with a time of 23:20.7.
The second Cardinal through the line was Nickson Kogei, finishing his first race for Louisville in 22nd with a time of 24:08.2.
Following close behind was Kelvin Kipleting, who finished in 26th place. The freshman concluded his collegiate debut with a time of 24:14.5.
Spenser Wolf finished the race with a time of 25:40.3, landing him in 160th place. Rounding out the scorers was Ethan Brouw who finished 206th with a time of 26:41.0.
The Cardinals will return to action on Friday, October 9 when they travel to Madison, Wis. to compete in the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational.
John McNichols Invitational
September 19 2026
Terre Haute, Ind.
Women's 6K
Nancy Chepleting – 20:18.6
Winnie Chebet – 20:41.3
Haley Meade – 21:21.1
Libby Dowty – 21:44.6
Olivia Alessandrini – 22;02.5
Men's 6K
Elsingi Kipruto – 23:20.7
Nickson Kogei – 24:08.2
Kelvin Kipleting – 24:14.5
Spenser Wolf – 25:40.3
Ethan Brouw – 26:41.0
Carter Knox – 27:46.9
For the latest information on Louisville Cross Country/Track & Field, visit GoCards.com or follow the team's Instagram and X accounts at @louisvilletfxc or on Facebook at facebook.com/LouisvilleTFXC.
