RRCA Invites Members to Bid for 2026 National, Regional & State Championship Events

June 13, 2025

Falls Church, VA – June 13, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), the largest national body supporting community-based running in the U.S. announced its call for bids for its 2026 RRCA Championship Event Series. Since 1958, the RRCA Championship Event Series has grown to be the largest grassroots-organized running series of events in the U.S. with over 200 races participating that attract nearly 300,000 participants.  The series features National, Regional, and State-level designations across multiple race distances.

Championship Distances Include

• 1 Mile
• 5K
• 10K
• 10-Mile
• Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• Marathon (26.2 miles)
• Ultra (over 26.2 miles)
• Cross Country (variable)

Bid Deadlines
To ensure optimal engagement, bidding deadlines are staggered by level:

• 2026 National Championships: bids due by August 1, 2025
• 2026 Regional Championships: bids due by October 1, 2025
• 2026 State Championships: bids due by November 1, 2025

RRCA members with well-established events are encouraged to apply at any level. Events previously recognized at the State level are especially well positioned to compete for Regional and National status. Events that miss Regional designation are automatically considered for State designation.

Bidding & Hosting Requirements
Only current RRCA member clubs or events may bid. Requirements include:

• Event History: The race should be in at least its second year of operation.
• New applicants are encouraged to start with a State Championship designation before pursuing Regional or National status. However, long-established events may apply directly for Regional or National designation.
• Championship Hosting Requirements: Events must agree to RRCA’s hosting standards, including clearly branding the race as an RRCA Championship across promotional materials, bibs, medals, and event signage.
• Course Certification: The race must be held at one of RRCA’s standard distances and be USATF-certified to verify course accuracy. Certification is not required for courses that cannot be certified, such as Cross Country or certain trail races.
• Open Competition Policy: RRCA Championships must be open to runners of all nationalities and abilities. There is no requirement for participants to be members of any specific organization.
• Inclusion & Accessibility: Events are expected to make every effort to comply with RRCA’s ADA guidelines for accommodating challenged athletes.

Successful hosts receive exclusive benefits, including:

• Gatorade Endurance product and supplies (qualifications and restrictions apply)
• Official RRCA Championship medals, bibs, and signage
• Additional marketing and recognition through RRCA channels

How to Submit a Bid
Interested organizations should review the series guidelines and complete the Bid Submission Form on the RRCA Championship webpage: https://www.rrca.org/programs/championships/

Not an RRCA Member?  Learn how to join RRCA as a running club or event organization.

About RRCA: The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations, run coaches, and runners dedicated to growing the sport since 1958. The RRCA champions the development of community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition. The RRCA’s vision is to Empower Everyone to Run. To learn more, visit: www.RRCA.org