Mercer’s annual Julius Johnson Invitational was held Saturday at the Georgia Premier Cross Country course in Macon.
Despite consistent rain throughout the event, families, former athletes and other spectators gathered to watch the first Mercer cross country race of the season. Traditionally, the Julius Johnson Invitational has been the second race of the season for the Mercer teams. However, this year, the race was changed to be the season opener.
“[Coach Cameron Ruppe] thought it would be a good idea for us to get a little rust-buster in, make the Julius Johnson Invitational the first race of the season," Yianni Pothoulakis '26 said. Last year, Pothoulakis set a school record in the 8-kilometer Julius Johnson race with a time of 24:11.
Mercer cross country has a history of performing well at the event whenever they race it. The Bears haven't lost at the event since 2023, and both teams finished second of three teams in 2022.
Through the rain and muddy conditions, spirits remained high. When asked how the rain might impact race expectations, Pothoulakis was optimistic: “It’s going to be a little muddy, but that’s what makes it fun.”
The men’s team competed in a 6-kilometer race against athletes from Brewton-Parker College, with the team putting in a dominant performance, sweeping the top ten placements and winning the title. The women’s team competed in a 5-kilometer race against runners from Brewton-Parker College and Georgia State University, and also won the title after nearly sweeping the top ten placements.
Both teams will travel to Huntsville, Ala. for their next meet on Sept. 12, where Jackson State University will host the Southern Showcase.
