Pfeiffer Men Compete in Blue and Gold Races at Royals Cross Country Challenge
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Oct. 9, 2026) — The Pfeiffer men's cross country team split its squad between the Blue and Gold divisions Friday at the Royals Cross Country Challenge, turning in solid performances against deep fields at McAlpine Greenway Park.
In the Men's 8K Blue Race, the Falcons were led by freshman
Landis Sides, who finished 65th overall in 27 minutes, 58.7 seconds. Senior
Ethan Witte followed in 28:20.6, while sophomore
Parker Crowl crossed in 28:23.1. Sophomore
Eli Witte added a time of 28:35.8, and sophomore
Landen Dudas completed the Falcons' scoring five in 28:51.5.
Junior
Carson Ritchie posted a 29:49.9 effort, while senior Cameron Ritchie finished in 31:29.2 and freshman
Hampton Garrido recorded a time of 31:45.6.
The Falcons' top five runners in the Blue Race were separated by less than a minute, highlighting the team's depth and pack-running approach as postseason competition approaches.
[tfrrs.org]
Pfeiffer also competed in the Men's 8K Gold Race, which featured several NCAA Division I, Division II and nationally ranked programs. The Gold division was won by Catawba, which posted 66 team points, followed by Furman, Davidson and Campbell.
The combined experience of racing in both the Blue and Gold divisions provided valuable postseason preparation for the Falcons against one of the strongest fields they will face this season. Hosted by Queens University of Charlotte, the meet attracted competitors from across the Southeast and featured more than two dozen collegiate programs.
