Dear Runners:
In an effort to address the numerous postings regarding the upcoming Foot Locker Cross Country Championships (FLCCC) and its inclusion of the Nike Team Nationals (NTN), we would like to use this platform to address any uncertainties of the format that might still be out there.
It has been, and continues to be, the best interest of the runners that has motivated and inspired us. We care about the runners. We care about this race. We care about high school sports.
Last year, when we learned that Nike's newly-created team championship (NTN) would take place on the same day as the FLCCC's West Regional race, it was in the spirit of our partnership that we discussed ways to offer the runners from the West the opportunity to qualify for the FLCCC national finals. We decided then to include the NTN as part of the qualifying process and expand the regional teams to 10 runners from the historic eight.
At the conclusion of both events last year, we spent a significant amount of time reviewing and evaluating the format of the race and whether it addressed what we felt was in the best interest of the athletes. After listening to all points of view and careful consideration, we are introducing a new qualifying formula for this year's race.
We will expand the field from each of our regions to 10 individuals, for a total field of 40 boys and 40 girls. The series will continue to consist of four regional 5K races across the country ( Northeast Midwest and South races on Saturday, Nov. 26 and the West regional on Saturday, Dec. 3). The top 10 finishers from the Northeast, Midwest and South regional races will automatically qualify for the FLCCC national finals. Since the NTN takes place on the same day as the FLCCC West regional race, the top 8 boys and girls from the FLCCC West regional will qualify for the national finals, with the remaining two spots reserved for the top finishers from the Foot Locker West region at the NTN race.
We truly appreciate, respect and welcome all feedback regarding the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships (footlockercc.com/feedback). We wish all the runners the best of luck and look forward to your participation in the 27 th Annual Foot Locker Cross Country Championships.
Foot Locker Running Team