So does the North Carolina women's cross country team.
UNC will look to defend its ACC title Saturday in Raleigh at N.C. State's University Club Course. The Tar Heels' biggest obstacle will be the ladies in red representing the No.12 Wolfpack.
"State has always been our biggest rival during my career," junior Kim Timberlake said. "We always want to beat a red uniform in front of us."
N.C. State has won 17 of the 22 ACC Championships ever held.
"They are the team to beat," UNC coach Michael Whittlesey said.
The 'Pack will not be the only tough competition present in Saturday's race. No. 23 Wake Forest and No. 25 Virginia will be vying to stifle the Triangle's rivalry and come out on top themselves.
N.C. State may be the team to beat, but UNC freshman Shalane Flanagan will be the runner to beat. The only race she did not win during the regular season was the NCAA Preview on Oct. 14. Flanagan placed third out of 300 competitors.
"ACCs are really important teamwise," Flanagan said. "Top two is what I want. If someone beats me, they'll have earned it."
Flanagan said that although she wants to perform well during conference and district competitions, her focus is primarily on the NCAA Championships.