KALAMAZOO -- Fresh off their bye week the Western Michigan cross country team heads to Chicago for the 40th annual Sean Earl Lakefront Invitational at Montrose Beach on Saturday morning.

This is the first the Broncos have returned to the 5k race since 2009, when they took seventh place in a crowded field. The field will include over 50 men's and women's teams with the women's race starting at 12:45 p.m.

The race presents a challenge due to the size as well as the challenging course. A sharp turn in the first 500 meters has a tendency to narrow the field causing runners to fall behind the lead pack and play catch up.

The last time out then freshmen Cara Cremeans and Rachel Whitley finished in the WMU's top five to help the Broncos earn the highest finish out of any Mid-American Conference school at the race. Samantha Draney took 18th overall in a field of 378 runners as the top finisher for the Broncos.

After the Lakefront Invitational WMU makes the short trek up to Grand Rapids to battle for state superiority at the Michigan Intercollegiates next Friday.