VANCOUVER, B.C. – The University of Manitoba Bisons continued their 2026 cross country season Saturday at the inaugural UBC Farm Fest meet, with several athletes posting strong individual performances against a deep field of Canada West competition.

Sophomore Luc Fillion once again paced the men's team in the 8K race, finishing 10th overall in a time of 26:03. The result followed a runner-up finish at the Dakota Classic and marked his third straight race as Manitoba's top finisher this season.

The Bisons had three runners place inside the top 20, as Carson Kroeker crossed the line 17th in 26:23 and Jonah Leppelmann followed one spot back in 18th at 26:26. Luxton Dueck added a 33rd-place finish with a time of 26:47, while Draycen Ralph completed Manitoba's scoring group in 39th at 27:04. The trio of Fillion, Leppelmann and Dueck all posted personal bests in the race, setting them up nicely entering the home stretch of the cross country season. 

On the women's side, Lena Klassen continued her strong start to the campaign, leading Manitoba with a 12th-place finish in the 8K race. The fourth-year runner posted a time of 30:25 after opening the season with a fourth-place showing at the St. Olaf Invitational and a runner-up finish at the Dakota Classic.

Sadie Maciura was Manitoba's second finisher, placing 21st overall in 31:05. Frances Terichow Parrott crossed the line 41st in 33:01, while Veronika Kolesnichenko finished 44th in 33:41.

The meet represented another encouraging performance for a Bisons program that has consistently been among the top competitors at its opening-season events. Through three races, Manitoba has produced multiple top-20 individual finishes and has been led by a veteran core on both the men's and women's sides as preparations continue for the championship portion of the schedule.

The Bisons will next turn their attention to the Canada West Championships later this month.