Welcome to the Hornets Invitational at Darlington Raceway - where cross country collides with one of the most legendary tracks in motorsports.

This year, athletes will experience a course unlike anything else in the Southeast as competitors take on the historic Darlington Raceway - including a run down the majority of the world-famous pit road, across the iconic Start/Finish line, and onto portions of the actual racing surface itself.

The race begins on an open grassy field featuring small rolling hills that will challenge runners early and spread the field before the real test begins. This unique course will feature a combination of grassy terrain, dirt sections, and pavement, creating a true test of endurance, toughness, and racing strategy from start to finish.

After the opening mile, athletes will charge toward the legendary Darlington Raceway, running behind Pearson Tower before entering the speedway through the famous West Tunnel.

As runners make their way into the raceway, they will pass directly by Victory Road - the same path where NASCAR champions celebrate some of the sport's biggest victories.

Once inside "The Lady in Black," the atmosphere completely changes.

Runners will burst onto the front stretch of Darlington Raceway, racing across the same historic Start/Finish line that has crowned some of NASCAR's greatest champions. From there, competitors will turn and attack the majority of pit road itself - running through the heart of one of the most iconic facilities in all of motorsports.

Known as "Too Tough To Tame," Darlington Raceway has challenged the world's best drivers for generations. Now, it's your turn.

Can your runners survive the challenge?

Can they conquer the track without earning their own "Darlington Stripe?"

After completing pit road, runners will once again pass by Victory Road before heading back through the West Tunnel and underneath Pearson Tower. From there, athletes will follow the course back toward the grassy field, with the towering Darlington Raceway rising behind them as they make one final push toward an unforgettable photo finish.

The Hornets Invitational at Darlington Raceway is not just another meet - it's an experience. A test of grit, endurance, toughness, and heart unlike anything else in high school cross country.

Due to crowd management and safety procedures inside the racing facility, spectators will not be permitted inside the active track competition area. Each participating team will be allotted two coaching passes, allowing up to two coaches access inside the raceway during competition.

While spectators will remain outside the competition area during races, fans will still have multiple designated viewing locations around the venue to watch and cheer on their athletes throughout the event.

Following the conclusion of the races, spectators will have the opportunity to venture inside Darlington Raceway as a special "Touch-A-Truck" event will take place inside the facility. Please note that a separate entry fee will be required for the Touch-A-Truck event.