Key Takeaways
- USATF will host four national youth championships in 2026 across New York, Alabama, California, and Louisiana
- Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island returns as host for the National Youth Indoor Championships on March 20-22
- The National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships moves to Falcon Stadium at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California for July 27-August 2
- Lafayette, Louisiana secures hosting rights for both the 2026 and 2027 National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships
USA Track & Field released its 2026 youth competition schedule, mapping out four national championship events that will bring together the country’s top young track and field athletes across indoor, outdoor, and cross country disciplines.
Indoor Season Opens in Staten Island
The season launches March 20-22 with the USATF National Youth Indoor Track & Field Championships at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, New York. The Ocean Breeze Park Alliance will host the event, which is open to athletes ages 7-18 with active USATF memberships. Registration is currently open.
Ocean Breeze previously hosted the 2025 edition of the youth indoor championships and will host the U.S. Indoor Championships later this month. The facility ranks among the Northeast’s premier indoor track venues. USATF.tv will stream the competition live.
Outdoor Championships Head to Huntsville
The USATF National Youth Outdoor Track & Field Championships takes place June 24-27 at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville, Alabama. The Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Huntsville Sports Commission will host the event, which marks the first time the championship will be held at the venue.
Milton Frank Stadium is owned by Huntsville City Schools and seats 12,000 spectators. The meet is open to athletes ages 7-18 with active USATF memberships.
Junior Olympic Track Season Moves to California
The 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships runs July 27-August 2 at Falcon Stadium on the Cerritos College campus in Norwalk, California, approximately 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Pacific Coast Shockwaves, a local youth track and field and cross country program, will host the event.
Athletes ages 7-18 must qualify through their association and regional championships and hold an active USATF membership to compete. USATF.tv will provide live streaming coverage.
Cross Country Championships Land Multi-Year Deal in Lafayette
The season concludes December 12 with the 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships at Moncus Park in Lafayette, Louisiana. The Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission will host the event, which represents the first national championship at Moncus Park since the facility opened in 2022.
Lafayette organizers have committed to hosting the 2027 National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships as well, securing a two-year hosting agreement. Athletes ages 7-18 qualify by advancing through association and regional championships. Race distances range from 3K to 5K, with live streaming on USATF.tv.
Supporting Development Through Competition
“This championship is about more than competition,” said Bernard Lagat, USATF’s General Manager of Youth Programs and five-time Olympian. “It’s about creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment where young athletes can challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the sport.”
USATF’s national and local youth competition structure provides development opportunities for young athletes at multiple levels throughout the year. Registration details, meet information, and travel resources for each host city are available at usatf.org.
via: USATF
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