Key Takeaways
- IMG Academy will host the inaugural Under Armour Track and Field Nationals in May 2026, marking Florida’s first-ever national track and field event
- Registration opens February 1, 2026 and closes May 1, 2026, with entry selection based on verified performance marks
- The three-day championship (May 29-31) will feature high school and middle school athletes competing across all track and field disciplines
- IMG Academy is installing a new Rekortan Gel Series track surface made from 84% renewable and recycled materials ahead of the event
- The partnership extends Under Armour’s existing event portfolio at IMG Academy, which includes basketball, football, and training camps
via: IMG
Filling a Gap in National Competition Access
IMG Academy and Under Armour announced the creation of the 2026 Under Armour Track and Field Nationals on December 3, 2025. The event addresses a notable absence in the competitive landscape: Florida has never hosted a national track and field championship despite being home to significant youth athletics infrastructure and year-round training conditions.
Mark Napier, Director of Track and Field at IMG Academy, identified the gap in national opportunities for the sport within the state. The decision to create the event reflects both organizations’ existing relationship and Under Armour’s track record of bringing youth athletics programming to the Bradenton campus.
“At IMG Academy, our goal is to create unrivaled environments where student-athletes can unlock their potential,” said Brian Nash, VP of Athletics at IMG Academy. “When Mark Napier, our Director of Track and Field, identified a gap in national opportunities for the sport in Florida, we knew we had to act.”
Event Structure and Selection Process
The championship will run for three days in late May 2026, with competition taking place Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31. A pre-meet day and early packet pickup is scheduled for Thursday, May 28.
Athletes can register between February 1 and May 1, 2026. Entry acceptance will be determined by a meet committee using a descending-order selection process based on verified performance marks. Field sizes will be predetermined, creating a selective entry standard designed to feature top-performing athletes across all track and field disciplines.
Both high school and middle school student-athletes will compete in separate divisions. The format encompasses all traditional track and field events, from sprints and distance races to field events including jumps and throws.
Strategic Infrastructure Investment
In preparation for hosting national-level competition, IMG Academy is upgrading its track facility with a new surface from Rekortan, which will become an Official Sponsor of IMG Academy through the partnership.
The facility will feature the Rekortan Gel Series, described as the world’s only gel-based track surface. The material uses a thinner gel layer composed of 84% renewable and recycled materials, designed to optimize athlete performance and welfare while reducing environmental impact compared to traditional track surfaces.
IMG Academy’s facility design includes strategic layouts and wind-aware event configurations intended to support fast times, long jumps, and competitive throwing results. These considerations reflect the institution’s focus on creating performance-optimized competition environments.
Extending an Established Partnership
The Track and Field Nationals represents an expansion of Under Armour’s existing event presence at IMG Academy. The brands have previously collaborated on several youth athletics programs, including the Justin Jefferson Flight School, UA Future 60 Basketball Camp, UA Kelsey Plum Camp, and UA Next Future 50.
“We have always been dedicated to creating opportunities for young athletes to compete at the highest level,” said Craig Cummings, VP of Team Sports at Under Armour. “The UA Track and Field Nationals will be a stage for the next generations to showcase their talent, push boundaries, and experience what it means to perform without limits.”
The partnership structure allows Under Armour to connect its brand with elite youth competition while providing IMG Academy with marquee events that utilize its campus facilities during key calendar windows.
Competitive Positioning in Youth Track and Field
The launch positions IMG Academy as a national track and field destination during a period of growth in youth athletics events. The facility’s year-round accessibility, combined with its established reputation in other sports, creates operational advantages for hosting national championships.
Florida’s climate allows for consistent outdoor competition conditions during the spring season, when many northern states still face weather-related scheduling challenges. The timing of late May also falls after most state championship meets but before summer training cycles begin, creating a potential window for top performers to compete in a national setting.
The event’s success will likely depend on its ability to attract verified elite marks during the registration period and deliver competition conditions that produce nationally competitive performances. The predetermined field sizes suggest a selective approach designed to maintain competitive standards rather than maximize participation volume.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural 2026 Under Armour Track and Field Nationals represents IMG Academy’s entry into national track and field event hosting, backed by facility upgrades and an established brand partnership. The event’s structure prioritizes verified performance standards and provides Florida athletes access to a national championship in their home state for the first time.
Registration details, qualifying standards, and specific event schedules will be released in advance of the February 1, 2026 registration opening. The meet’s ability to attract top national talent during its first year will provide early indicators of its long-term positioning within the youth track and field calendar.
Both organizations have indicated the event is designed as a multi-year initiative, with the infrastructure investments and partnership structure supporting ongoing annual competition.
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