Questions for the more knowledgeable ….

What determines who is in the Blue race and who is in the Gold one? It seems like the Blue race was the main event, but there are some P5 schools and top-class runners (e.g., Joyce Kimeli of Auburn) in the Gold.

And is the Open race simply for schools who bring huge rosters, allowing a chance for runners not in the Blue or Gold?

Separately and echoing a question already asked below, how does ND host a meet featuring dozens of programs from coast-to-coast, including some of the nation’s best, and elect not to prioritize the race? If doing so is incompatible with the ACC objectives, then maybe the Piane deserves a different slot on the calendar. And, anyway, isn’t the ACC meet something like a month down the road?

A lot of questions and a lot of head-scratching …. Thanks in advance for any insights from the crowd.