Cross-country runners -- some of the top state contenders -- will face one of the most challenging 3.1-mile courses in Florida when they compete in the Westminster Academy Invitational Saturday.

The talent-laden field, led by Miami Gulliver Prep's Carrie Davis, West Broward's Isabelle Amaro, Cardinal Gibbons Macy Huskey, University School's Sydney Schneider, John I. Leonard's Ryan Pickering, Upperroom Christian's Emanual Kent and Archbishop McCarthy's Nicolas Palermo will navigate a succession of grueling inclines aptly named ``U-Turn", ``Rocky Double", ``Boulder Hill'' and ``The Trench".

Runners know that their best effort might not be reflected in a personal-best time. According to Schneider, the reward of running such a tough course is finding out where she stands three weeks before the state qualifying series begins.

``I ran Westminster a couple years ago and remember it was such as tough course because of the little hills,'' said Schneider.

``You just have to take your time and accomplish one and keep going. Running the little hills will prepare you for the giant hills at state.

Schneider has her work cut out in the small school girls race where she will face Huskey and Davis. Davis was a seventh-place finisher at the 2008 Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A State Finals.

After fighting through flu symptoms and finishing a disappointing fifth at the Broward County Championships two week ago, Schneider will be looking to regain the form that made her an All-Broward first team selection a year ago.

``I'm definitely looking to run better than the county meet,'' said Schneider. ``I had a 102-degree fever and my mom didn't want me to run. After having a fever and running I think I did okay, under the circumstances.''

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