Breaking News: Tallahassee To Host 2021 NCAA D1 Cross Country Championships


The NCAA announced today preliminary and final round sites for championships in division 1, 2 and 3, sports held from the 2017-2018 seasons to 2021-2022. The folks in Florida's state capital of Tallahassee are cheering loud and proud.  Host team Florida State University and the Apalachee Regional Park venue will welcome the 2018 and 2020 South Regional as well as the 2021 NCAA D1 Cross Country Championships to Leon County.

"This is quite an honor for Leon County's Apalachee Regional Park. Being awarded the 2021 NCAA Men and Women's Cross Country National Championship Meet represents a lot of hard work on behalf of Florida State University Athletics, Leon County Parks & Recreation, Visit Tallahassee and a very strong and a dedicated running community that volunteers time and energy for all of the meets held there," said Visit Tallahassee Director of Sports Brian Hickey.

Hickey went onto say that being awarded this prestigious national meet was a collective effort just like the design and development of the cross country course at Apalachee Regional Park.

"We dreamed of making Apalachee Regional Park the Augusta National of cross country and we will tirelessly pursue that goal," Hickey added.


According to a press release put out by the NCAA,  criteria for selected host sites included a number of factors.

"Creating what will be an exceptional experience for the student-athletes, along with adherence to NCAA bid specifications. Specifications can include, but are not limited to, providing optimal facilities; ease of travel to the location and ample lodging; and adherence to NCAA principles, which include providing an atmosphere that is safe and respects the dignity of all attendees."

We will have quotes from members of the Visit Tallahassee team as well as FSU Coach Bob Braman later in the day on this major accomplishment for the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, and Florida State University.