Rim Rock Ready: Kansas Hosts the 2025 Big 12 Cross Country Championships
The stage is set for one of the most competitive collegiate distance-running showdowns of the year—the 2025 Big 12 Cross Country Championships, scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2025, at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kansas. Hosted by the University of Kansas, the event will gather the conference’s top runners in a high-stakes battle for both team and individual titles.
A Historic Venue
Few courses in American collegiate running carry the same prestige as Rim Rock Farm. Nestled among the rolling hills north of Lawrence, the course is known for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain — a mix of open fields, shaded trails, and sharp elevation changes. Its signature landmarks, such as the “Billy Mills Hill” and “Sasquatch Hollow,” have tested generations of runners and crowned countless champions.
This year’s event marks another milestone in the farm’s storied history. Rim Rock has hosted numerous Big 12 Championships and NCAA regional meets, and in 2025, it will once again serve as the proving ground for the nation’s elite.
The Teams to Beat
The Big 12 enters the 2025 season as arguably the strongest conference in NCAA cross country.
On the men’s side, the Iowa State Cyclones and Oklahoma State Cowboys are expected to lead the charge. Iowa State currently holds the No. 1 national ranking, while Oklahoma State sits close behind at No. 2, according to the USTFCCCA Coaches’ Poll. Both programs boast deep rosters and a history of producing All-Americans. Their clash in Lawrence is set to be one of the most anticipated head-to-head battles of the season.
For the women, the BYU Cougars enter as the heavy favorites after a dominant 2024 season that saw them win both the Big 12 and NCAA national titles. Ranked No. 1 nationally, BYU’s squad, led by a mix of veterans and promising underclassmen, will face stiff competition from Iowa State and West Virginia, ranked No. 6 and No. 7, respectively.
Championship Implications
Beyond conference bragging rights, the 2025 Big 12 Championships carry major national implications. The performances here will influence team momentum and NCAA regional seeding heading into November’s postseason. Historically, teams that excel at this meet often go on to challenge for podium spots at the NCAA Championships.
“The Big 12 meet is always a great test,” said Kansas head coach Stanley Redwine. “You’ve got national-caliber teams lining up against each other. Hosting it at Rim Rock adds another layer of excitement for our athletes and our fans.”
Race Day Outlook
Races are expected to begin mid-morning, with the men competing over an 8-kilometer course and the women tackling 6 kilometers. The weather in late October in Kansas can be unpredictable—cool temperatures and breezy conditions often add to the drama. For spectators, Rim Rock offers excellent viewing spots, especially along the wooded trails and near the finish chute, where the final kicks often decide both individual and team glory.
What to Watch
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Men’s showdown: Can Iowa State hold off Oklahoma State’s relentless depth?
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BYU’s dominance: Will the Cougars continue their reign, or will an underdog rise?
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Course strategy: Hilly terrain and tight turns at Rim Rock often reward disciplined pacing and smart positioning.
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Home-field pride: Kansas athletes will look to use their course familiarity to post standout performances.
Looking Ahead
As the runners toe the line on October 31, they’ll do so knowing they are part of one of the deepest fields in NCAA cross country. Every stride on Rim Rock’s grass will matter—not just for medals, but for pride, rankings, and postseason destiny.
The Big 12 Championships are more than a race; they’re a showcase of endurance, teamwork, and tradition. And in 2025, under the Kansas skies, those traditions continue.