L
Larry Eder
Guest
Last year, there was a bit of drama in the discipline of cross-country
With very little notice, Foot Locker announced the cancellation of its 45-year series with little fanfare. Many were shocked.
In the next couple of weeks, Brooks Running, led by Garrett Heath, Head of Brooks Sports Marketing, worked with his team to save the noble event.
They did.
The 2025 events were awesome. I visited the Midwest Regional on November 29 and, under a wonderful blanket of snow, watched the finest Midwestern high school cross country runners battle for a top-ten position in the Boys and Girls Championships races.
Up the hill, Brooks XC presented by Fleet Feet Sports, photo by Kevin Morris with Brooks XC, December 13, 2025
The Championship races were held in style and with great fields, and the Brooks XC Championships were born under the legacy of the FootLocker Cross Country Championships.
That battle to save the famed series cost alot of money and took alot of time.
Now, in its second year, the Brooks XC Regional Championships are open for registration, and thanks to Brooks partner Sound Running, we are posting the registration sites!
RunBlogRun encourages all cross country coaches to spread the word about the Brooks XC regionals. These meets are a great way to end the season for athletes of all abilities and, for some very fast athletes, a chance to compete in San Diego on the famed championship course!
Here are our stories on the 2025 races.
The duel between Marcelo Mantacon and Jackson Spencer, December 13, 2025, Brooks XC, photo by Kevin Morris for Brooks XC
Here’s where to register for the four regional events of the Brooks XC Regional series:
| The Brooks XC Championships Presented by Fleet Feet returns in 2026. We hope you’ll join us again as the toughest runners put it all on the line at the premier cross-country championship series. Whether you’re toeing the line, cheering from the course, or tuning in from anywhere in the world — everyone is invited to be part of it. |