Razorbacks prepare for 2026 with Mt. Ida preseason camp

FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas women’s cross country prepared for the upcoming season with a recent preseason camp at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa in Mt. Ida.

With six newcomers to the Razorback distance crew for the 2026 cross country season, it provided an opportunity to pass along knowledge of the program in an idyllic setting.

“Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa was the perfect place for our preseason camp,” noted Arkansas cross country coach Marc Burns, who is starting his second cross country season with the Razorbacks. “We ran on some of the most beautiful dirt roads I have ever seen. They were soft, shaded and hilly. Lake Ouachita is spectacular, and the views are incredible!”

Joining Arkansas this season are a pair of Kenyans in Isca Chelangat and Immaculate Chepngetich along with Gabbie Bishop, Braelyn Combe, Marissa Ferebee and Ryin Miller.

Returning Razorbacks for this cross country campaign include Paityn Noe, Josphine Mwaura, Olivia Pielemeier, and Maddie Gear.

“The crew looks really good,” Burns added. “We got some great work in but also worked on getting our six newcomers locked into the Razorback way. Thanks to Coach Johnson for providing this opportunity for the team.”

Chelengat, who has produced track times of 8:48.74 (3,000m) and 15:07.76 (5,000m), finished seventh (18:56.1 for 6k) in the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships as a freshman with Oklahoma State.

Noe, who didn’t compete during the 2025-26 season, placed seventh in the 2024 NCAA cross country meet as a sophomore.

Bishop, from Rogers, Arkansas, was twice named Gatorade Arkansas Track & Field Player of the Year competing for Providence Academy. Chepngetich enters collegiate competition with career best times of 4:24 (1,500m) and 16:29 (5,000m) that were set at 7,000 feet.

Combe, from Santiago HS in Corona, California, placed second in the CIF State cross country meet in 2025 after finishing third in 2024. She also placed 18th in the 2025 Brooks National Championships after finishing as runner-up in the Brooks West XC Championships.

Ferebee, of Pella, Iowa, claimed three consecutive 3A State titles in cross country and finished seventh in the 2024 Nike Cross Nationals. Miller, of Seaman HS in Topeka, Kansas, placed second in the 2024 5A State cross country meet after finishing third in 2023. As a senior on the track, Miller swept 2026 Kansas 5A State titles in the 800m, 1,600m, and 3,200m.

Arkansas opens the season with a trip to Columbia, Missouri, on Friday, September 25, for the Gans Creek Classic. The Razorbacks race on their home course at Agri Park on Saturday, October 3, for the Chile Pepper Festival.