LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State men's and women's cross country teams travel to face tough competition at the Capital Cross Challenge in Sacramento, Calif. The teams compete on Saturday, Sept. 30, with the men running an 8k race and the women racing on a 6k course.
 
"Sacramento gives us our first opportunity of the season to test ourselves against a large field. The course is on a relatively flat golf course and that should make for a fast course," assistant coach Joseph Rath said. "It is our first time running an 8k and a 6k race, but the extra distance is welcomed as it is also our first chance to race closer to sea level."
 
The Aggies hosted the Kachina Classic Open for their previous meet and both teams placed first in their respective races. Eli Kosgei was the top male finisher for NM State when he completed the 7k course in second place with a time of 21:26.03. Crissey Amberg posted the top time for the women's team, placing fifth overall in the 5k race by clocking in at 17:57.19.
 
"Both the men and women have done some great pack running, which we look to continue here," Rath said. "The added depth of competition will make it tougher to run together, but also allows us to push ourselves a lot more."
 
NM State competes in the Capital Cross Challenge held at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex on Saturday with the men's 8k race beginning at 10:50 a.m. (MT) followed by the women's 6k race at 11:30 a.m.