BUIES CREEK, N.C.-The Campbell University cross country teams are set to open 2007 competition this weekend, with the annual Campbell Invitational, Saturday, Sept. 1 in Buies Creek.

The men's portion of the race will be a 5000m run through Campbell University's cross country trail, opening the day at 9 a.m., while the women's will be a slightly shorter version, measuring 4000m with a 9:45 a.m. start.

Other participants will include Longwood, Peace College, Salem College, UNC Greensboro and UNC Wilmington, with unattached runners also competing for an individual crown.

Last year, the Fighting Camels literally ran away with a dominating win, placing seven women in the top ten, with now departed senior, Alicia Valtin crossing the finish line first. The men's side placed six in the top ten, with Campbell's Verrelle Wyatt, now a junior, taking the top spot.

After the collegiate portion of the race, a high school segment will include girls at 10:30 a.m. and the boys at 11:15.

The Fighting Camel harriers will hit the trails next at the Seahawk Invitational, on the campus of UNC Wilmington, slated one week later on Sept. 7.