SPARTANBURG, SC - Spartanburg will host the 24th Annual Eye Opener Cross Country Meet on Sept. 8 on the grounds of the Roger Milliken Research Center.

Organizer Jack Todd (SC School for the Deaf and the Blind) anticipates 120 teams will compete in the event, sponsored by Waste Management and Trademark Corp.  “We expect some 2,500 finishers in the eight divisions -- collegiate women, collegiate men, boys’ junior varsity, girls’ junior varsity, boys’ championship, boys’ international, girls’ championship and girls’ international.”  Todd expects most high schools from the Spartanburg and Greenville area to be in attendance, as well as large numbers of volunteers, spectators, families and trainers.

“Teams will come from six states -- South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and Alabama.  We have a good regional reputation with this event,” Todd says.  “The event is one of the largest cross country meets in the Southeast and it takes place on one of the best venues in the region.”

The Eye Opener takes place at the arboretum of the Roger Milliken Center, and the quality of the venue helps to bring runners from throughout the region to Spartanburg. “I can’t say enough about how terrific this facility is, and the kindness of Mr. Milliken to allow us to use it for the Eye Opener.  This course traverses along five lakes and is very spectator friendly,” Todd adds. “We encourage people in the area to attend.

“The race helps to showcase Spartanburg, too,” Todd says.  “When people come here for the Eye Opener, they are so impressed with the course and with Spartanburg.  Many decide to come back for other events in the area.”

Todd says spectators are encouraged to attend the Eye Opener.  Admission is free and there are eight races that can be viewed through the course of the morning.

These are the start times for the 5K races: Collegiate Women, 8 a.m.; Collegiate Men (an 8K race), 8:30 a.m.; Boys’ Junior Varsity, 9:00 a.m.; Girls’ Junior Varsity, 9:05 a.m.; Championship Girls, 9:30 a.m.; Championship Boys 10:00 a.m.; International Girls 10:30 a.m.; International Boys 11:00 a.m.  Results will be available at the conclusion of each race. 

Team Spartanburg, the sports council of the Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, is assisting with the event.

For information about the event or how to become a volunteer, contact Mike Baird at (864) 503-1978 or mike.baird@milliken.com.

Team Spartanburg, the sports council of the Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, is providing support to the event. For information about Team Spartanburg, contact Nikki Harris at the CVB at (864) 594-6767 or laura.corbin@wofford.edu.