Lafayette to Host 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships

The event will bring the nation's top young distance runners to Moncus Park in December 2026.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lafayette Parish has been selected by USA Track & Field (USATF) to host the 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships at Moncus Park on December 12, 2026. The event is expected to generate over 9,000 hotel room nights and substantial economic impact for the local community.

Why it matters

Hosting this prestigious national championship event will put Lafayette on the map and provide a significant boost to the local economy during the winter travel season. It also reinforces the city's growing reputation as a destination for premier youth sporting events.

The details

Qualifying athletes ages 7-18 from across the United States will compete for national titles in race distances ranging from 3K to 5K. The event will be streamed live on USATF.tv, offering national exposure for Lafayette and the Acadiana region.

  • The 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships will take place on December 12, 2026.
  • Lafayette Parish has also secured the opportunity to host the event again in 2027.

The players

Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission

The local organization hosting the event and expected to generate substantial economic impact for Lafayette Parish.

USA Track & Field (USATF)

The national governing body for the sport of track and field, long-distance running, and race walking in the United States, which selected Lafayette to host the championships.

Ben Berthelot

President and CEO of Lafayette Travel, who expressed excitement about the event and its impact on the local community.

Max Siegel

CEO of USA Track & Field, who praised the partnership with Lafayette and the opportunity to bring the Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships to Moncus Park.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to sustain our momentum with another prestigious event arriving in Lafayette Parish in December: the USA Track and Field Jr. Cross Country Championships. This event will not only put us on the map once again, welcoming many first-time attendees, but it will also provide a significant boost to the local economy during the month of December. We look forward to showcasing Moncus Park and the entire region.”

— Ben Berthelot, President and CEO of Lafayette Travel (katc.com)

“Junior Olympic Cross Country is the foundation of the sport of cross country in the United States. We are grateful for the partnership with Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission / Lafayette Travel that will bring this day of exciting racing and rising talent to Moncus Park.”

— Max Siegel, CEO of USA Track & Field (katc.com)

What’s next

Registration details and additional information about the 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships are available at usatf.org.

The takeaway

Lafayette's selection to host this prestigious national championship event reinforces the city's growing reputation as a destination for premier youth sporting events and will provide a significant economic boost to the local community during the winter travel season.