This is a piece by Jeff Benjamin about the upcoming USATF Championships in Randall’s Island, New York in July 2026.
Will New York become Track City USA? Jeff Benjamin – 3/24
All of us who are from there are well aware that Eugene, Oregon, whose Hayward Field has hosted many championships, is known as “Track Town USA.”
Now, this coming summer, the Big Apple is trying to tag along Track City USA!
First time ever that USATF Outdoor and Paralympic National Championships will be hosted at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island here in New York.
“We are excited about the opportunity to host our spectacular meet in New York, where the best runners, jumpers and throwers in the United States will showcase their talents in front of new and longtime fans,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel, noting that longtime sponsor Toyota is back with the meet.
However, the championship, which will take place from July 23 to 26, has a rich history on the fabled island, dating back more than nine decades, albeit in different forms.
The legendary Jesse Owens competed there j 1936 Olympic Trialssetting a world record in the 100 meters in front of a New York crowd at what was known as Downing Stadium on Randall’s Island.
National Champions crowned in NYC editions in the process World War II (1942-1945) and in In 1961 Legendary decathlete Bill Toomey set a world record there in 1966, as did Leroy Burrell in the 100 meters in 1991.
with a strong team of New York Road Runners, Central Park Track Club, Randall’s Island Park Alliance and USATF are contributingfans can look forward to new breakout performances this summer!!
Bell Lap – from the USATF website –
“Qualifying criteria for the 2026 Toyota USATF Outdoor and Para National Championships will be announced in the coming weeks. The event will be broadcast live on NBC on Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26. It will be broadcast on USATF.TV July 23-24. Tickets will be available in the spring.”
