In 18 days · Fri, Sep 11, 2026
Don't let race day sneak up
One email during race week. That's it.
When
Friday, September 11th, 2026
Where
7550 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee FL
Distances
5K
Typical weather
71–88°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 8 of the last 10 years
2025
67–90°F
dry
2024
73–83°F
rain
2023
72–90°F
rain
2022
72–87°F
rain
2021
70–86°F
rain
2020
75–87°F
rain
2019
73–94°F
dry
2018
73–90°F
rain
2017
60–65°F
rain
2016
75–91°F
rain
Best months to race in Florida →
About this race
Event Details
- Date: September 11-12, 2026
- Location: World Famous Apalachee Regional XC Park, Tallahassee, FL
- Description: A Celebration of Cross Country Running in the spirit of the Daytona 500. The BIGGEST and BEST event of the year is the FIRST event of the year!
- Race URL: Register Here
Highlights
- Under the Lights: Nighttime Collegiate, High School, Middle School, & Open/Masters heats
- Festival Atmosphere: XC Running Festival atmosphere
- Excitement: A vibrant gathering of cross country enthusiasts
- Community: Engage with runners, families, and fans
Heats Include
- Collegiate: Open to collegiate level competitors
- High School: Varsity and Junior Varsity divisions
- Middle School: Young athletes competing
- Open: For all ages and abilities
Coaches’ Swag
- Exclusive Box: Nights of Thunder Coaches’ box
- Reserved Areas: Reserved team areas with available tent/amenity rentals
- Networking: Opportunities for coaches to collaborate
- Recognition: Celebrating coaching achievements
Official Course
- State Championships: Official course of the Florida HS State XC Championships
- Past Events: 2022 NJCAA XC Championships
- Future Events: 2026 World Athletics XC Championships
- Experience: A well-regarded course for competitive racing
Course map
Train with a club
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