The stage is set, the hours of training are finished and only a night's sleep separates the best collegiate runners in Canada from National glory Saturday afternoon.  Sault College is proud to play host to Canada's best with the 2016 CCAA Cross Country Championships this Saturday at the picturesque and breathtaking Crimson Ridge Golf Course in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Action will begin at 12 pm with the Women's 5 KM race followed by the Men's 8 KM at 1 pm and the Community 5 KM at 2 pm all set against the challenging backdrop of the Crimson Ridge course.   This year's field features 220+ runners representing 38 schools across Canada from coast to coast.

On the women's side Cegep Lionel-Groulx (RSEQ) will look to repeat as Women's team Champions with last year's podium teams University of British Columbia – Okanagan (Pacwest) and Lethbridge College (ACAC) looking to un-throne them.  Individually, 2015 gold medalist Jessy Lacourse (Cegep Garneau) looks to secure her second consecutive gold in a field that also features Ontario champion Mary Strain (Cambrian College).

For the men, Cegep de Sherbrooke (RSEQ) looks to win back to back national titles and will be paced by Alberta's Lethbridge College (ACAC) and Fanshawe College (OCAA) in a men's team field that will attach the rugged Crimson Ridge course.  Last year's gold medalist Rob Asselstine (St. Lawrence College Kingston) will try to fend off Seth Marcaccio (Fanshawe College) in a highly competitive race field fitting of this National Championship.

"We are excited to welcome all to this magnificent event and wish all the student-athletes best of luck come Saturday" states Scott Gray Athletic Director at Sault College.

With the weather forecast looking great come on out and catch Canada's best at the 2016 CCAA Cross Country Championships held at Crimson Ridge.  Complete race results can be found at www.chiptimeresults.com or follow the championships at www.ccaa.ca .