Be a Part of History as Leon County Hosts the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men's and Women's Cross Country National Championships at Apalachee Regional Park

Be a Part of History as Leon County Hosts the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men's and Women's Cross Country National Championships at Apalachee Regional Park

On Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, elite college athletes from across the nation will compete at the award-winning cross country course at Apalachee Regional Park in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Division I Men’s and Women’s Cross Country National Championships. Hosted by Leon County Government and Florida State University (FSU), this marks the first time the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships will be held in Florida in the program’s 83-year history. It is only the second Division I NCAA National Championship hosted in Leon County since the 1996 Women’s Tennis National Championships.

“We believe the awesome running course, rolling hills, beautiful forestry, flowing springs and incredible, pleasant weather will compel that Tallahassee remain an event site for future NCAA competitions,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Bill Proctor.

"This Saturday, Leon County has the distinct privilege of hosting the nation's most prestigious collegiate cross country championship," said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "Hosting this event and its thousands of spectators, coaches and athletes demonstrates the County's hard work and commitment to the sport of cross country and to developing a thriving local sports tourism economy."

The Division I NCAA National Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships are expected to draw more than 1,000 athletes and coaches and 7,500 spectators to Leon County resulting in over $2.5 million in direct spend. In addition, the event will be televised nationally on ESPN-U, bringing national exposure to Leon County as a premier sports destination.

“We continue to see tremendous growth in the economic impact and visibility that cross country events bring to the community,” said Kerri L. Post, Director of Leon County Division of Tourism. “We look forward to welcoming coaches, athletes and spectators from all over the country this week. The gates open at 8 a.m. Saturday and we encourage residents to come out to the beautiful park and experience the excitement of this national competition.”

NCAA Division I Cross Country National Championship Schedule

10:20 a.m.                Women’s 6K

11:10 a.m.                Men’s 10K

 

The awards ceremony will be held at approximately 11:50 a.m.

Advanced tickets prices are $10 plus taxes and fees and can be purchased at  https://www.ncaatickets.com/championships.

For more information contact Scott Lindeman, Marketing Communications Director, Leon County Tourism/Visit Tallahassee at (850) 606-2322 office, (850) 508-4461 cell or Scott.Lindeman@VisitTallahassee.com.

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About The Leon County Division of Tourism/Visit Tallahassee: The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) is the official destination marketing organization for Tallahassee-Leon County. Tourism is charged with marketing Tallahassee-Leon County nationally as a premier leisure, business and sports destination through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports and visitor services. For more information, go to VisitTallahassee.com or call toll free (800) 628-2866. Engage with Visit Tallahassee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #iHeartTally and  #Trailahassee.

NCAA Cross Country Championships logo painted onto the course at Apalachee Regional Park