Runners from more than 100 high schools and colleges from across the nation will gather at Veterans Park in Hoover this weekend for the Great American Cross Country Festival.

Races begin Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and last until 3:30 p.m. The highlight of the day will be the Go Green Race of Champions races for high schools and universities. The opening ceremonies for the Go Green Races is at 9:35 a.m. Awards will be given at 11:35 a.m.

The Oak Mountain, Spain Park and Pelham are among the high schools competing in the race. State colleges and universities competing are Birmingham-Southern College, Huntingdon College, Spring Hill College, Troy University, University of North Alabama and the University of South Alabama.

The festival begins Friday with a community 3K run from 3-6 p.m. Cost of registration for Friday’s community run is $10. A second community 3K will be Saturday from 6-6:30 a.m. Cost of that race is $15.

Admission to the festival is free. Parking is $5.