This is first of all weekly cooperation between Nike Running and RunBlogrRR, the joy and struggle of the cross, one of the most imaginary parts of our sport. Enjoy this piece by deji ogeingbo for a senior writer for runblogrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. We call this cooperation, #JuureeytocompeteA number
Nike NXN origin and heritage. 20 years of high school cross country excellence
About two decades, Nike’s Cross Citizens or NXN have been the stage where the intersection of the crossroads of high school is the best, they measure the best. The event turned into a national institution, painting athletes from all corners of the United States, Oregon, where Glendoveer Golf course became a speed, strategy and determination.
NXN story begins, maybe surprisingly, on Oregon’s Nike Campus with a small but fierce competitive meeting known as Nike border conflict. It was two Nike Running Enthusies’ brain brain, Josh Row and John Truax. Their goal was clear. Create a spiritual annual competition, which brought together the leading runners from Oregon and Washington. The border conflict quickly gained reputation as a showcase of raw materials and friendly competition, an important event of the cross season, which takes place on the weekend.
Runblogron co-founder Larry Eder reminds his early experience with an event. “Nike NXN’s birthplace is Nike border clash developed by two Nike Running Dudes by John Row and Johnny Truax. He adds. “I think I went to the first decade of border clashes. I loved it. “
The enthusiasm of the border collision planted the seeds for something larger. NXN emerged not only as a continuation of this tradition, but as a national championship, which marked the high school cross country as it did not meet. Both the team and individual achievement recognized its structure, uniting the best high school runners throughout the country.
Since its establishment, NXN has been the peak of eight eight different regional meetings, each sent to the best athletes and teams. Over the years, it has become a proven basis who will continue national and even international successes. Names such as Galen Rupp, which later demanded Olympic medals away, and first female athlete Kellin Towoh, three consecutive NXN titles, passed through these courses. Nico Young, another standard, stopped the course post in 2019, leaving a sign on the event that is still resonating.
The meeting itself is a thorough balance of challenges and scenes. The teams compete according to the rules of USATF, scoring on the first five decorations, while individual runners set themselves to pursue personal and national recognition. Glendoveer course is known for its rolling hills and tactical complexity, demanding both endurance, and strategic temple. Walking for a lot of high school runners is both honor and a test of character.
NXN continues to grow. In the event of the main development of the 2025-26 season, the US Way and Nike announced that the event will host December 6-7 on December 6-7. This extension will bring up to the U20, masters and elite runners next to high school athletes, creating a weekend of competition, which takes generations of talent.
USATF CEO Max Sigel stressed the importance of partnership. “NXN has historically united some of the brightest youngest stars, like no one, like no one in the Horizon, we cannot wait for the celebration to celebrate two days.” The 2025-26 championship will also be held for the 2026 World Cup of Atlase, which is an opportunity to see their performances directly related to international opportunities.
The structure of the event will now present 2 km race for mixed 4 × 2 km relay, 5 km and 10 km away from the team and individual races. High school athletes will hold the central stage on weekends, followed by elite runners who want team qualification, U20 athletes that compete for the team’s USATF. It’s a race all weekend that highlights the depth and variety of the khach in the United States.
NXN remained more than a championship in its nearly twenty-year history. It has become a community where coaches, runners and fans share passion for sports. It has launched a career, false friendships and created a heritage of a high school competition, which inspires athletes every year.
