Eye Opener Cross Country

09/06/2026

Some 25 years ago Jack Todd asked for my help with his Eye Opener Cross Country race event. The 42nd edition of the event happened Saturday September 5, 2026 at the Milliken Arboretum in Spartanburg. Final race results show almost 3000 high school finishers in the 6 actual races. The heat warning yesterday forced start times to be moved up with just 20 minutes between events (a good call BTW). Thus I wasn't able to get all the race starts and finishes. Being as Jack is the Cross Country coach at Spartanburg High School, you may notice some focus on the Spartanburg runners (full disclosure). The link below is a variety of photos about and from the event. Download or share as you want. ---wl https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD4ah2

09/02/2026

Due to our unseasonably HOT weather this week, we have made revisions to the Eye Opener schedule for this Saturday September 5.

We will combine all Boys Junior Varsity into a single race.

We have shortened the interval start times for all races to 20 minutes.

Below is the the revised schedule:

8:00 International Boys (Limit 12)

8:20 International Girls (Limit 12)

8:40 Championship Boys (Limit 10)

9:00 Championship Girls (Limit 10)

9:20 JV Boys - No Limit

9:40 JV Girls - No Limit

We apologize for any inconvenience but the safety of our participants is of utmost importance.

Thank you.

Jack Todd
Meet Director
(864)529-7711

05/23/2026

The Roger Milliken Center will be hosting the 2026 Eye Opener, on Labor Day weekend, for the 42nd rendition of the largest XC event in S Carolina. College races on Friday followed by the high schools harriers Saturday. Thank you Milliken & Company for your continued support!

08/23/2025

Wow. 140 schools registered!

09/07/2024

Eye Opener time again! 4341 athletes!!! Live results @ TimingInc.com

08/28/2024

130 High Schools have registered for this (40th) year’s Eye Opener.

09/03/2023

118 teams participated; perhaps the largest XC meet ever held in SC.

Thanks to many for their support but a special thanks to Milliken & Company for their continued support.

At Roger Milliken Research Center

08/25/2023

112 high school teams registered.
Weather forecast is low of 64 degrees for next Saturday morning.

08/09/2023

Add NCAA Division II Regional Cross Country to 2024 calendar!

08/08/2023

2023 Eye Opener Saturday September 2.

1 of top 50 high school cross country races in the USA.

As of today,

87 schools from SC have entered while 17 high schools from GA and NC are signed up as well.