Woodbridge Race to Draw 5,000

IRVINE — The Woodbridge High-Rotary Club Cross-Country Invitational will feature more than 5,000 runners from more than 130 high schools, beginning at 7:45 a.m. Saturday.

Recognized as one of the largest meets west of the Mississippi River, the invitational has attracted many of the nation’s top teams, according to organizer George Varvas, who also coaches Woodbridge’s cross-country teams.

The girls’ competition will feature Corona del Mar, which is the defending State Division IV champion. The Sea Kings, who are ranked 19th in the Foot Locker National High School Poll, opened their season last week by winning the Laguna Hills Invitational’s junior/senior race in the small school division.

Also showcased in the girls’ competition will be Palos Verdes Peninsula, ranked third in the nation, and Agoura, which is ranked fifth.

Among the top boys’ squads competing are San Diego Mission Bay, the nation’s fourth-ranked team, and Katella, which is top-ranked in Orange County and sixth nationally.

The morning session will be from 7:45 to 11 a.m., and the afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m.