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Larry Eder
Guest
Editor’s note: I believe I met Doug Todd over 30 years ago, when he coached at Mt. San Antonio Community College (Mt. SAC) with the legendary Don Ruh. I think Doug Todd is the iconic cross-country coach; Doug loves what he does. And that enthusiasm was transferred to those around him.
We asked Doug Todd 12 questions about the race that he loves to direct, the Brooks XC Regional West event, to be held on December 5, 2026.
RunBlogRun, # 1. How did you get involved with the FootLocker series?
Doug Todd: 1997, I believe, was my first year. The former RD in Fresno was stepping down, and I was called and asked if Mt. SAC would be interested in hosting the event.
RunBlogRun, # 2. How would you describe your course?
Doug Todd: A challenging 5K course with three hills, lots of downhill and flat sections, all contested over dirt and a little asphalt.
Doug Todd, photo by PUMA Communications
RunBlogRun, #3A. Do you have races for junior high athletes?
Doug Todd: We have an “open” race for any and all “non-high school” runners.
RunBlogRun, #3B: Do you have races for Frosh/Soph?
Doug Todd: We have grade-level races for all high school grades. (9, 10, 11, and 12)
RunBlogRun, # 4: What are the particulars of your race? Date, Time, Schedule, HQ hotel?
Doug Todd: Western Brooks XC Regional, Saturday, December 5, 2026.
7 am Freshman Girls,
7:25 FB,
7:45 SG,
8:05 SB,
8:25 JG,
8:45 am JB,
9:05 SG,
9:25 SB,
9:45 am OPEN race,
10:15 am Girls Championships,
10:45 am Boys Championships
Doug Todd as coach, 2017, photo from Doug Todd Archives
RunBlogRun, # 5. Where can you register for your race?
Doug Todd: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Walnut/BrooksWestXCChamps
RunBlogRun, # 6: Did you have a favorite year of the series?
Doug Todd: Always the current year; it’s always fun to see who rises to the occasion and breaks out from the crowd…
RunBlogRun, # 7: Why should high school athletes run your race?
Doug Todd: It’s a wonderful way to end the XC season with one last race. It’s open to anyone who wants to enter! The racing is serious, but the vibe is very relaxed and fun. Athletes from the same schools, leagues, and/or geographical area who know each other from the just-completed season hang out together and enjoy this amazing time of their lives, where they can just tie on some shoes, race, and have fun.
RunBlogRun, #8: What do most people not know about your race that you want them to know?
Doug Todd: For those not in the ‘Championship Race,’ it’s a very clean, uncluttered hang or time together with friends celebrating the sport of XC. For those in the Championship Race, it’s probably the first time most runners compete as individuals, not representing a team or a club. That is a new and different feeling for many of them.
RunBlogRun, # 9: Why do you love the Brooks XC series?
Doug Todd: What’s not to love? You bring the best High School runners in the country to one place and find out who’s going to be the next Champion. It is never a foregone conclusion and always great to see in person.
RunBlogRun, # 10. What should parents and fans know about your race?
Doug Todd: Look at the history of past champions and top participants, then reflect on what those athletes went on to do, and you know you’re watching the literal future of American Distance Running. IF the history of this great event tells us anything, it is that this year’s group of talented runners will be podium finishers and members of NCAA National Championship teams in XC and TF; they will have Olympic and World Championship medals hung around their necks in the near future, and some will even go on to break existing National and World Records. Seeing them at this stage of their career and then following them throughout their future careers is a very special opportunity. If you can’t be on the course in person, you have to follow the race LIVE as it happens. Always a lot of excitement and drama.
RunBlogRun, # 11. Why should coaches bring their entire teams to your race?
Doug Todd: The Regionals are so much fun, and I think it’s a great opportunity for the coach to show a different side of themselves. Let them prepare and compete as individuals. The coach can ‘relax’ or ‘step back’ a bit and almost be a spectator. This is the last race of the season, and many will be taking a break from ‘organized practice,’ and a good experience at the Regional can be very positive and serve as a great motivational event to get them excited to run on their own during the Christmas holiday time period.
RunBlogRun, #12: If you have a link on the history of your region, please send it; I will use it.
Doug Todd: Tim O’Rourke has a great history of past Brooks greats and what they have done after the National Meet. torourke04@yahoo.com
Doug Todd, Race Director, Brooks XC Western Regional