by Larry Eder
FootLocker Cross Country 2016, photo by Photorun.net
Originally posted December 7, 2017
reposted November 30, 2018
On Saturday, December 1, 2018, the NXN Champs happens in Portland, Oregon and the FL Western regional is run in Walnut, California at the same time. I used to get frustrated that I could not see all, but I have come to understand and appreciate the differences in the events.
For many years since the series began, I have ventured to, first the Kinney, then, the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships. The race series has welcomed many American middle and long distance runners to championship running. The program is quite simple, put on 4 regional races, let the runners pick themselves, and take top ten Boys and Girls to the Foot Locker CC Champs in San Diego, California.
I remember, one year, visiting with the late Doug Speck, and enjoying the race even more, with Doug’s comments on top athletes, coaches, programs and his admiration of the event.
The Foot Locker has continued to grow and evolve, and is now sponsored by New Balance. New Balance is bringing a new life to the series.
The team at Foot Locker love the event and protect the quality of the event. With the help of an enthusiastic sponsor, the quality of the event is upped once again. Some of the finest athletes ever are racing in San Diego this weekend.
Which do I like best? FootLocker or NXN? That is really not the right question.
Each event is so different. I see NXN as the national team champs, and love how Nike supports the event and hosts the event, like no one else can.
The Foot Locker is this Horatio Alger story, where runners from South Dakota and Alabama can race to their hearts content, to see who the best Boy and Girl cross country runners are in the country. New Balance is upping the game on the cool things for the runners.
What does this do? Both events make cross country runners feel special, and that is what is important.
On Saturday, December 9, 40 boy and girl high school cross country runners will battle to see who is the Foot Locker champion. Two races, 5000 meters each, on a challenging course, with fans, and warm weather.
