BATTLE CREEK - Summer is just slowing down, but the high school cross country season is already speeding up as teams are already off and running.

Area programs are hitting their stride as events like the Harper Creek Optimist Invitational opened the season for many and, with one of the biggest events for the sport, the Lakeview Invitational coming up on Sept. 6, runners are already getting a chance to lower their times in the early season.

The upcoming All-City Meet on Oct. 7 will mark the unofficial high point of the season. All will then be looking toward regionals coming up on Oct. 24-25, with dreams of making it to Michigan International Speedway for the state finals on Nov. 1.

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