SoCon announces Tryon International as Cross Country Championships Title Sponsor
Partnership marks official sports resort designation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2026
Contact: La J’ai Reed (lreed@socon.org)
SPARTANBURG, S.C.– The Southern Conference (SoCon) has announced Tryon International as its title sponsor for the men’s and women’s Cross Country Championships presented by Ingles.
The 2026 championships will mark the second consecutive year in Mill Spring, N.C., as SoCon runners battle for marks in the women’s 5k and men’s 8k.
“We’re excited to welcome back the Southern Conference to Tryon,” said Eric Gilbert, Director of Tryon Athletics. “The cross country championships are an opportunity to show what this venue can offer, but our goal reaches well beyond one event. We want teams, clubs and individual athletes to have the facilities they need to compete and train, along with the dining, lodging and hospitality that make the whole visit easier for everyone traveling with them.”
Set on 1,600 acres in the Blue Ridge Foothills, Tryon International is expanding its athletics program alongside its established equestrian events. The returning SoCon Cross Country Championships highlight the property’s capacity for outdoor competition, while Tryon Athletics’ Indoor Complex supports track meets, wrestling, training camps and other sporting events.
The Indoor Complex features a 200-meter Mondo Super X 720 banked track, completed in December 2025, with more than 3,300 seats close to the action. Its flexible layout allows Tryon to host competitions and training for teams, clubs and individual athletes throughout the year, supported by the property’s dining, lodging and gathering spaces.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tryon International as the title sponsor and host of the SoCon Cross Country Championships,” said Jordan Trolinger, SoCon Senior Associate Commissioner. “Their partnership provides us with an outstanding setting for our student-athletes and strengthens the championship experience for our schools and fans. We are grateful for Tryon’s commitment to supporting SoCon cross country and look forward to a memorable championship event.”
Athletes, coaches and families can dine and stay on-site throughout championship weekend. Eight on-site restaurants offer a range of dining styles, while online ordering and optional on-site delivery provide flexibility around competition schedules. For larger groups, Tryon’s food and beverage team can coordinate customizable box lunches, team meals and private catering. For overnight stays, guests can choose from the Overmountain Lodge, private cabins and other accommodations across the property, all close to the action.
Tickets for this year’s championship are now on sale at socontickets.com
The Southern Conference, headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., includes 11 member institutions across the Southeast: The Citadel, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Mercer University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, Tennessee Tech University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina University, and Wofford College.
Tryon International is a premier sports, entertainment, and lifestyle destination in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, North Carolina, where sport meets lifestyle. Home of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018, Tryon is anchored by world-class equestrian competition and complemented by year-round events, onsite dining, lodging, shopping, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly entertainment. From elite competition and spectacular events to weekend getaways and everyday experiences, Tryon offers something for athletes, competitors, families, and visitors alike. Learn more at Tryon.com or call 828-863-1000.
