📍 Moncus Park | Lafayette, Louisiana 📅 December 12, 2026
Stay connected during the Championships for updates, announcements, and real-time meet information via BAND.
🔗 BAND Sign-Up
Admission is free for all spectators. No tickets are required for entry.
Event parking is available at Cajun Field. All event parking lots are accessible, and shuttles to Moncus Park are ADA-accessible. See the Parking section for locations, directions, and additional details.
Accessible routes and viewing areas are available throughout Moncus Park via park sidewalks.
For accessibility assistance, contact events@moncuspark.org.
To ensure athlete safety and maintain an efficient competition environment, designated competition areas are restricted to competing athletes and credentialed staff.
Coaches, parents, and spectators are not permitted in the following areas:
Spectators will have designated viewing access to the course, start line, and finish line throughout the championship.
The top 25 finishers in each division will earn All-American honors and receive a custom All-American patch, hat, and medal.
All-American rings are awarded to the 1st-place finisher only in the following divisions:
An All-American ring order form must be completed onsite. Rings will be custom produced following the championship and shipped directly to the recipient.
Team awards will be presented to the top three teams in each division.
Awards are limited to the eight athletes officially designated as members of the scoring team. Each of the eight athletes will receive a medal, patch, and hat.
Alternates who did not participate in the National Championships are not eligible to receive team awards.
Awards will be distributed following the conclusion of the official protest period. Athletes should report to the Awards Area only after the protest period has concluded.
Athletes who are unable to attend the awards ceremony may pick up their medal at the Awards Area later during the championship, following the conclusion of the original awards ceremony.
⚠️ Important: All awards, with the exception of All-American rings, must be picked up onsite. Awards will not be shipped.
Competition bibs are required for all athletes and will be distributed at Packet Pickup.
Athletes 10 & Under will receive a different bib color than athletes 11 & Over. This color-coding system is part of the championship’s athlete reunification process and allows staff to quickly identify athletes by age group.
Please refer to the Packet Pickup section of this guide for pickup details and the Reunification section for complete information about the color-coding system and reunification process.
If a bib is lost or damaged, a replacement may be purchased for $10 at Packet Pickup. Card payments only.
Athletes must check in at the Clerking Area at the designated time listed in the Schedule and remain there following check-in. Athletes and coaches are responsible for ensuring timely check-in. Athletes who fail to check in for their scheduled race will be marked as a no-show and may be scratched in accordance with USA Track & Field competition rules.
For the 2026 Junior Olympic Cross-Country National Championships, coach credentialing through the USA Track & Field Coaches Registry is not part of the registration process.
Coaches should continue to follow all applicable USA Track & Field Safe Sport, background screening, and other participant safety requirements. This guidance does not waive or modify any USA Track & Field Safe Sport requirements.
For information on USA Track & Field coaching credentials and the Coaches Registry, visit the USA Track & Field Coaches Registry.
Athletes may preview the course at Moncus Park on Friday, December 11, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM CT.
Medical services will not be available during course preview. Participants use the course and park facilities at their own risk. Course preview may be canceled due to inclement weather.
Athletes must qualify through Association and Regional Championships or meet approved entry standards. Athletes may compete only in the age group and corresponding event for which they have qualified and officially entered.
Important updates, announcements, schedule changes, and meet information will be shared through BAND. Enable notifications to stay up to date.
First aid and medical services are located at the finish line.
Enjoy the local farmers market and a variety of food options available for purchase throughout the event.
Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted.
Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted in Moncus Park.
Outside alcohol is not permitted within Moncus Park.
Explore hotels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and other lodging options in Lafayette. Championship hotel rates will be shared when available.
🔗 Lafayette Hotels & Lodging
Lost and found will be located at Packet Pick-Up during the event.
Each athlete’s race packet must be picked up before competition. Packets include a race bib, participation certificate, and special giveaway. Friday pickup is encouraged.
Location: Moncus Park
Parking for Packet Pick-Up is located at Cajun Field, with shuttle service to Moncus Park. See the Parking section of this guide for parking locations, shuttle hours, and additional details.
Event parking is available at Cajun Field Parking Lots 1, 2, and 3. Parking fees apply and attendees must take a shuttle from Cajun Field to Moncus Park.
Parking hours, pricing, and reservation details are coming soon.
📍 2351 W. Congress St., Lafayette, LA
Spectators may take personal photos and videos from spectator areas.
Drones and unmanned aircraft systems are prohibited.
Protests regarding competition must be addressed immediately following the event at the Protest Tent located at the Finish Line.
🔗 Register Here
🔗 Results can be found here
To help ensure a safe, secure, and positive experience for all young athletes, USA Track & Field has implemented a reunification process for athletes aged 10 and under at all USA Track & Field Youth National Championships.
The information below outlines the steps parents, guardians, and coaches should take to prepare for the reunification process and help ensure a smooth and efficient pickup experience.
1. Pick up a reunification wristband at packet pickup The adult picking up the packet (typically a coach or parent/guardian) will receive a reunification wristband for the associated athlete(s) age 10 and under. The wristband will match the athlete’s bib number(s) and is required for pickup from the reunification area. A form must be completed at packet pickup to receive a wristband and document authorized pickup information.
Additional or replacement reunification wristbands
Additional reunification wristbands may be requested at packet pickup for another parent, guardian, or coach. The individual requesting a wristband must provide a valid photo ID and be listed as an authorized contact in the athlete’s USATF Connect Profile. Coaches must be listed on the club’s Connect Profile. Lost reunification wristbands may be replaced at packet pickup with a valid photo ID.
2. Proceed to the reunification area after the race
After an athlete completes their event, authorized staff will direct them to the reunification area. Athletes will have access to water, Gatorade, and a place to rest while waiting for pickup. Only individuals wearing a matching reunification wristband will be permitted to check out an athlete. Please wear your reunification wristband and pick up your athlete promptly after their event.
For questions or additional information regarding reunification, email usatfsafesport@usatf.org.
To ensure a safe environment for all athletes, the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) limit one-on-one interactions between adults and minors and set standards for training and competition settings. As part of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement, USA Track & Field is committed to providing an environment free from abuse and misconduct.
All event staff, volunteers, coaches, and officials must refrain from misconduct, including sexual misconduct, physical or emotional misconduct, bullying, harassment, and hazing. Anyone who witnesses or suspects misconduct is required to report it immediately in accordance with Safe Sport policies.
**Remember: All Adult Participants are required to report allegations of sexual misconduct or child abuse immediately to local law enforcement and/or CPS as well as the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
All times CT, Last updated 10/7/2026 at 3:45 p.m. ET
Make the most of your time in Lafayette. From local dining favorites and attractions to entertainment and unique experiences, discover all the area has to offer during your stay.
🔗 Lafayette Travel
The following policies are in effect throughout the venue:
Items prohibited inside Moncus Park include:
Visit the Lafayette Visitors’ Center for local information and resources during your stay.
Lafayette Visitors’ Center 1400 NW Evangeline Thruway Lafayette, LA 70501 Phone: (337) 232-3737 | (800) 346-1958
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM– 5:00 PM
USA Track & Field will monitor weather conditions throughout the championship and may delay, modify, suspend, or postpone competition as needed to ensure participant safety.
Any schedule changes or weather-related updates will be shared through official championship communication channels.
Two types of wristbands will be used for this event:
Wristband Distribution: Packet Pick-Up