Very competitive Purple Valley Classic to be run at Mt. Greylock HS this Saturday

Weather forecasters are calling for rain, but that's not stopping over 500 runners from lacing up their shoes and racing at the Purple Valley Classic this Saturday. Hosted by Williams College, the Purple Valley Classic will take place at Mt. Greylock Regional High School, and features a very competitive field.

In all, 23 teams will be present at the meet: Amherst, Babson, Bridgewater State, Coast Guard, Dartmouth, Johnson State, Keene State, MCLA, Middlebury, MIT, Mt. Holyoke, New England College, SUNY New Paltz, RPI, St. Joseph's (Maine), St. Rose, Smith, Springfield, Susquehanna, Union, Wellesley, Westfield State, and Williams.

Three races are scheduled for this Saturday: an open 5K for both men and women at 11:30,  a men's Varsity 8K at 12:00, and a women's Varsity 6K at 12:45.

Williams looks to have a strong meet after a bye last weekend. Runners to watch for on the Eph men's squad include senior Brendan Christian and junior Edgar Kosgey, who beat a very strong field at the Fordham Invitational three weeks ago. On the women's side, watch for seniors Lauren Philbrook and Gillian Tedeschi and freshman Shelby Golan.

Williams Coach Pete Farwell is very excited about the meeting saying, "This will be the most competitive Purple Valley Classic ever."

With the top five New England Division III men's teams (Keene State, Amherst, Coast Guard, MIT, and Williams) and the top five New England Division III women's teams (Amherst, Middlebury, MIT, Colby, and Williams) plus an appearance from Division I Dartmouth, this race will feature some of the top runners in the region and will be a preview of championship meets later this season.