While the fall brings cooler weather, the University of B.C. the Okanagan Heat cross-country team is just warming up. 

The UBC Okanagan runners competed in their first race of the 2024 season on Sept. 23, the Vancouver Spirit 8km Run hosted at Jericho Beach Park.

Three runners on the Heat's women's team finished in the Top 20, led by fourth-year Kristen Smith of Georgetown, Ontario, who finished in sixth.

She shaved 46 seconds off her 2023 performance on the same course, finishing in a time of 30:34. 

Joining Smith in the Top 20 on the women's side were Brooke Lawlor of Vernon, in 14th, and Lys Milne of Salmon Arm. in 16th. 

The men's side, also saw three Heat runners secure Top 20 results. Third-year Owen Lloyd of Cambridge, Ontario led the Heat with a 12th-place finish in a time of 26:45, more than a minute faster than his performance last year.

Finishing just five seconds behind Lloyd was Kyle Porter of Ottawa, who finished 13th in 26:50. Isaac Baker crossed the line in 17th in 27:04. 

The Heat have two races remaining before they host the 2024 U SPORTS Cross Country Championships in November. Their next race is on October 12, in Calgary for the Stewart Cup, hosted by the University of Calgary Dinos.