Spartanburg Gears Up to Host 2026 NCAA Division I and Division II Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Regionals
The vibrant town of Spartanburg is prepping to host the forthcoming 2026 NCAA Division I and Division II Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Regionals. Both events are set to occur at the beautiful Milliken Arboretum in November 2026, bringing an influx of athletes, coaches, and families to the locale.
Buzz of Anticipation Surrounds Spartanburg
Chief Tourism Officer for OneSpartanburg, Inc., Billy Dunlap, expressed his enthusiasm at the prospect, voicing that Spartanburg is ready to welcome back NCAA Cross-country in 2026. He spoke excitedly about the opportunity to showcase the multitude of amenities the town has to offer, from comfortable hotels and mouthwatering restaurants to stunning outdoor locales that make it a prime place to visit or even relocate.
Sharing in this anticipation, multiple universities will join hands with OneSpartanburg, Inc. to host the events, with the University of South Carolina Upstate orchestrating the Division I event, and Converse University organizing Division II. These schools follow in the footsteps of other successful regional hosts including Florida State University, Michigan State University, and Texas A&M University.
Past Successes Breed Future Opportunities
“We were fortunate to host DI Regionals in 2023. It was a wonderful experience, and to be selected once again shows that the NCAA and the cross-country community are excited about bringing this event back to Spartanburg,” professed Matt Martin, USC Upstate Athletics Director and Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics.
Considering the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 2023 event, USC Upstate cross-country coach Carson Blackwelder confirmed the eagerness to host the Division I regional meet again, striving to make the 2026 event even better.
A Showcase of Spartanburg’s Hospitality and Community Spirit
Excitement also buzzes around the Division II Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Regionals, mirroring the zealousness surrounding its Division I counterpart. Proud to be selected as the host institution for this prestigious event, Converse University is eager to play a part in the student-athlete experience.
“We are thrilled to be part of such an important event in the student-athlete experience,” said Jenn Bell, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics at Converse. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with One Spartanburg, Inc. for the championships and commend the Vice President of Sports Competition to Spartanburg.
As firm believers in community-building and welcoming fellow NCAA Division II institutions to Spartanburg, Converse is ready to roll out the red carpet, showcasing not only the top-notch cross-country course at Milliken Arboretum, but also the warmth and hospitality the university and Spartanburg community is known for.
Spartanburg: A Coveted Cross-Country Destination
With the fervent efforts of local universities and organizations like OneSpartanburg, Inc., Spartanburg continues to establish itself as a sought-after destination for the NCAA’s prestigious cross-country tournaments. Save the date and pack your running shoes – the 2026 NCAA Division I and II Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Regionals are sure to be a dynamic display of athleticism and community spirit!
