Given the recent success of Running Lane, the investment into the Nike NXN meet, and the long-standing history of Footlocker/Eastbay, I think next year’s post season could potentially be even more disastrous than it has been since the advent of NXN.
I know there is almost zero chance of this happening, but I think the running community should try to steer the companies/sponsors in the right direction.
Here is my proposed plan for a single national championship but would love to hear others:
- Footlocker & NXN both continue to operate their regional systems. Elite individuals can qualify two ways — through a Footlocker region or through an NXN region. Elite teams can qualify through an NXN region.
- Footlocker covers the cost of their folk.
- Nike covers the cost of the their folk.
Now, for non-elite teams and individuals, they can still signup, and will be added to a race based on in-season ranking. They will have to pay their own way or Garmin can decide to sponsor some teams/people.
You run the race at John Hunt in Alabama.
Now, this type cooperation is never going to happen, but this would be my ideal and is actually the least lift. Essentially, all 3 entities can function as they currently function except you run the race altogether in Alabama.