USATF Cross Country Championships looked so dead today.

USATF screwed this up. Screwed Lubbock over big time

Location, location, location. No one wants to go to Lubbock. It’s the armpit of the western hemisphere.

Do average participants need to cover their own expenses?

Flights, hotels etc?

Masters runner perspective. The last two years were strong and well attended events. This year there were multiple factors that impacted masters runners: 1) the location was not announced until very late, 2) Lubbock is difficult and expensive to get to reach and has little draw beyond the race, 3) as a consequence more masters runners went to club nationals, 4) the time between club and this race was shorter and was closer to family holiday travel (Dec 14 and Jan 11 vs Dec 9 and Jan 20) making it more likely people only did one race, 5) the snow storms on the east coast created havoc that compounded point 2, and 6) it was a great bonus to see the best open runners compete for world spots, which wasn't the case here.

You are wrong. Lubbock is a lovely city with historic university teams (Lubbock Christian's 90's XC dominance & Texas Tech titles.)

The fact that the US will host the World Championships in less than a year and USATF put zero effort into the penultimate US championship speaks for itself.

You think Tallahassee has anything on Lubbock?

And we all know that Eugene is the armpit of the Northwest... location is not the problem. USATF's leadership is (btw USATF's crew on the ground did a great job... you would think the suits might come out to learn what XC is before they host the WCX.... lame max, lame)

What’s the difference between both races?

Only 12 women were in the race lol

Barrett Dahl ain't no one!

Simple answer. Go back to the format in 1994 (Portland), 1995 (Boston), 1996 (Palo Alto) and 1997 (Portland) when there was one combined race in December that served as the Club XC Champs / USATF National Championships / US World Team Trials. It was a great event, all the best pros and college runners (2 weeks after college championships), pro teams scored along with the club teams, etc.

No idea why they tried to fix something that wasn't broken.

Whats shameful is that all the top people sat it out.

Stop offering them excuses, they should have been out there running.

Fragile little head cases, all of them.

This on the heels of every top pro ducking you at the 2024 Turkey Trot. Cowards and wimps!!

Yup. One event, regular and desired locations, appropriate date, strengthens the xc community instead of splintering, additional costs, less interest.

I nominate you for usatf xc executive officer. Id be happy to assist you. Best wishes!

They are in the same league, are they?

Club champs and xc Nats should be same day. Usatf is diluting things with too many events

This is on my calendar for next year. Can't wait