CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- The Chattanooga men's and women's cross country teams head to Gainesville, Fla., for the Mountain Dew Invitational hosted by the University of Florida.
 
The Mocs will get a look at the NCAA South Region Championship site Friday morning in their first meet at the standard competing distance. The men's 8-kilometer race starts at 7:40 a.m. with the women's 3-mile race at 8:20 a.m.
 
"We are looking forward to running on the course at Florida this Friday morning," Chattanooga head coach Andy Meyer said. "This will be the first chance for our kids to run on this course which will be used later in the year for the NCAA south region championships.  The men add another mile to their distance over the last meet for an 8K and the women will again run a 3-mile distance.
 
Aaron Isbell, Jasper Wilson, Eamonn O'Bryant, Eric Mitchell. Erik Martinez and Caleb Jarrett are set to run the course along with newcomers Jack Martin and Tristan Gould on the men's side.
 
Lesley Boyd, Emma Russum, Maddie Wheatcroft, Leah Boyd, Lexi Foley and Camden Morris make the return for the women and are joined by Kathryn Vradenburgh and Brooke Tyll.
 
"There will be several quality teams for us to compete against including Florida, Florida State, Vandy, Geogia Tech, and several mid-majors from the state of Florida.
 
 
"This is the opening race for some of our older kids and they are excited and ready." Meyer said. "There is a forecast for rain, but hopefully it will not be too wet."
 
Live scoring is available online at GoMocs.com.