AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken cross country team will play host to the Bridgestone-Pacer Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The meet will serve as USC Aiken's first full meet at the Pacers' top-of-the-line home course, Pacer Path.

The Bridgestone-Pacer Invitational will feature four different divisions. The collegiate men and women will get things underway first with the 8K collegiate men's race set to start at 8 a.m. The women's 5K collegiate race will begin shortly thereafter at 8:45 a.m. Immediately after the collegiate races, high school teams from around the area will compete. The High School Varsity Girls 5K is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., while the High School Varsity Boys 5K is slated to begin at approximately 10 a.m.

"It is really exciting to be hosting such a top-notch event at our facility," noted USC Aiken head cross country coach Larry Milner. "It is a big day for our program, the university and the Aiken community."

The Bridgestone-Pacer Invitational will feature some of the best college cross country programs in Division II with Augusta State, Clayton State, Erskine, Francis Marion and Paine competing in the event along with host USC Aiken.

In the prep ranks, Airport High School, Aiken High School, Batesburg-Leesville High School, Midland Valley High School, South Aiken High School and South Aiken Christian will all be participating.