Ohio State Cross Country Meet Set for Nov. 7

The OHSAA state championships will be held at Fortress Obetz, with the four-division format returning for its second year.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Running

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a single cross country runner in mid-stride on a grassy autumn course with bare trees and farmland behind. — Ohio's top high school cross country teams and runners will compete for state titles at Fortress Obetz on Nov. 7, with Fairless' Brice Fuller defending his Division I boys crown. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The 2026 OHSAA State Cross Country Championships will take place Nov. 7 at Fortress Obetz, with the Division I girls race opening the meet at 10 a.m. Eight races are scheduled across the four divisions.

Why it matters

The state meet crowns Ohio's top cross country teams and individual runners across all four divisions. Several regional champions and defending state winners will compete for titles.

Fuller's 14:49.4 is the fastest time in the state across all divisions this season, while Johnson has won eight of her nine meets. Napoleon junior Gwen Huddle holds the state's top Division III girls time, though the final race results remain to be run.

The players

Brice Fuller

Fairless junior distance runner who won the 2025 OHSAA Division I boys state championship and posted the state's fastest time this season at the Pickerington regional.

Irelyn Johnson

Marlington runner who won the 2025 OHSAA state championship and has taken eight of her nine meets this season.

The details

Fairless' Brice Fuller, who won the 2025 Division I boys state title, will face favorite Woodridge at the meet. Canton South junior Logan Howard became the school's first regional champion at the Boardman regional with a personal-best 15:32.7. Marlington and Minerva will attempt to overtake Huron and Oakwood, the favorites in their respective divisions.

Nov. 7, 2026: OHSAA State Cross Country Championships at Fortress Obetz, starting at 10 a.m. with the Division I girls race

Season Trajectory

The 2026 meet marks the second year of the OHSAA's four-division cross country format, following the 2025 championships won by Fuller and Johnson. Returning champions and regional winners will shape the team standings across divisions.

Fantasy and high school fans can track the race results on Nov. 7, when the first girls race begins at 10 a.m. Fans attending in person should plan for the Fortress Obetz start times.

The takeaway

The state championship field is set, and the first race begins at 10 a.m. on Nov. 7 at Fortress Obetz. Watch which regional winners hold form against the favorites in each division.