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National Championship
The Junior Olympics Come to Moncus Park
2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships
The first national championship at Moncus Park since 2022
On Saturday, December 12, Moncus Park hosts the 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships. In fact, it's the first national championship held here since the park opened in 2022.
Qualifying athletes ages 7 to 18 will travel from across the country to race for national titles. Race distances range from 3K to 5K. Also, every runner on the start line earned a spot through association and regional meets. As a result, you'll see some of the best young talent in American cross country, right here on our grounds.
Lafayette Travel and the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission are hosting the championships locally. Because of that partnership, thousands of families will visit Acadiana for the weekend. That gives us a chance to show visitors what we already know. This park, and this place, are worth the trip. Plus, the championships return to Lafayette again in 2027!
Event Details
Date
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Location
Moncus Park, 2913 Johnston St, Lafayette
Athletes
Ages 7 to 18
Race distances range from 3K to 5K.
Qualifying
Through association or regional meets
Athlete Registration
Opens November 2 at 6:00 AM PT
Closes December 6 at 11:59 PM PT. More info at usatf.org.
Watch Live
Parking & Shuttle
$20 parking
Parking for spectators and athletes is $20. Follow these steps to get to the course:
- Head to Cajunfield Parking Lots 1, 2, and 3 at 2351 W Congress St.
- Enter through the designated gates on Congress Street.
- Lots are open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday through Saturday.
- University shuttles will take you from the lots to Moncus Park.
Watch Live
Can't make it out? Catch the races streaming live on USATF.tv.
Watch on USATF.tvKnow Before You Go
Heads up for regular park visitors:
- Course areas will be closed on Friday, December 11, and Saturday, December 12. The rest of the park stays open, but expect a busy weekend.
- December in Acadiana can swing from warm to chilly in a day. Dress in layers.
- Bring a chair or blanket for cheering between races.
- For park rules and FAQs, visit moncuspark.org/rules.
Run the Same Course
Want to run where the champions ran? The Champions Course 5K takes place the next day, Sunday, December 13, on the same USATF Junior Olympic course.
See the Champions Course 5K