Iceland is a country known more for handball and soccer, but the University of Iowa is benefitting from a distance runner imported from the Nordic island nation.

The University of Iowa men's and women's cross country teams kick off the 2015 season hosting the Hawkeye Early Bird Invitational on Friday. The Hawkeyes host Illinois State, Iowa State, and Northern Iowa at the Ashton Cross Country Course.

The University of Iowa men's and women's cross country teams are ranked seventh and 11th, respectively, in the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association preseason regional rankings.

Former University of Iowa All-American Diane Nukuri won the 43rd New Balance Falmouth Road Race on August 16.

The University of Iowa cross country program opens the season at home Friday, Sept. 4, hosting the Hawkeye Early Bird Invitational. The UI athletics department released the complete 2015 schedule Friday.

Forty-one University of Iowa student-athletes have been honored by the Big Ten Conference with the Distinguished Scholar Award, it was announced Wednesday by the league office.

Former World and NCAA champion Joey Woody led Iowa to 11 All-America honors while establishing a championship mindset in his first season as UI director of track and field/cross country.

Outside of practice and the classroom, members of the University of Iowa track and field team are on a mission to give back to the UI Children's Hospital.

The University of Iowa men and women's cross country programs have been recognized as U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Teams.