September 9th, 2026 | 2-minute read

Laurentian cross country opens fall season with inaugural training camp in Sudbury

For the first time in recent team history, the Laurentian University Voyageurs cross country program is kicking off its season at home with an intensive five-day pre-season training camp.

September 9, 2026– For the first time in recent team history, the Laurentian University Voyageurs cross country program is kicking off its season at home with an intensive five-day pre-season training camp.

Running from September 2nd to 6th before classes began, the on-campus camp was designed to acclimate a strong group of new student-athletes to campus, build team chemistry, and log miles across Sudbury’s iconic terrain—including runs through local neighbourhoods, regional trail networks, and a visit to the Big Nickel.

"Sudbury has several excellent areas to run and train, and we look forward to taking the time before classes begin for the team to start to gel," said Head Coach Darren Jermyn. "Cross country, much to the surprise of many, is a team sport that needs seven athletes all performing at their best on the big day—so making strong team connections early this fall is extremely important."

The camp sets the foundation for an ambitious season as both the men’s and women’s programs look to charge up the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) standings following 11th and 10th place finishes last fall.

Leading the incoming women’s roster is local Lo-Ellen Park standout Lily Bignucolo (Kinesiology), the fastest female recruit to land at Laurentian in over two decades. With personal bests of 4:40 in the 1500m and 10:12 in the 3000m, the first-year runner is anticipated to be one of Laurentian's top cross country performers this season.

On the men's side, sophomore Braeden Estabrooks (Sports Administration) steps into one of the lead runner roles following a stellar summer that saw him capture a bronze medal in the 3,000-metre steeplechase at the U-20 National Championships. Supported by a deep class of incoming freshmen and seasoned veterans, Coach Jermyn sees realistic paths for both squads to push into top provincial contention, with both teams targeting a top-seven finish to earn a berth at the U Sports National Championships.

The Voyageurs officially open their competitive season on home turf on September 13th with the annual Ramsey Tour 5km (Laurentian Open) on campus before traveling to regular-season meets across Ontario.