The Cross Country Team Challenge takes place at 1101 Richmond St NW in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 21, 2026. The event offers 1-mile and 5K running distances, making it accessible for a range of abilities and training focuses. With a typical 6:00 PM start time, the race provides an evening option for athletes managing work or training schedules. Entry fees range from free to $25, offering an affordable option for local and traveling runners. The team format emphasizes group participation, so consider coordinating with training partners or local clubs before registering. For lodging, you'll have access to Grand Rapids' full range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to upscale hotels within easy distance of the venue.
From the Race Organizer
Running IS a team sport, and the Brian Diemer Family of Races Cross Country Team Challenge allows you and four (or more) of your friends to experience it all together. This event resembles a high school-style cross country meet, using standard scoring and a 5K course. If you don't have a team or enough people to make an entire team, let us know, and we will help you put a team together. We also allow participants to run without being attached to a team. This year are back at Richmond Park in the City of Grand Rapids. The 5K course will feature mowed grass, packed dirt, and gravel. The FREE community 1 Mile Run, which is open to both youth & adults, kicks off the evening. Here is an overview of the 2026 course, https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2330110 . It will be well-marked, with cyclists leading the way. For a quick video on how a cross country race is scored, check out this video or simply ask us. ***we sent a participant race day guide out on July 20th at 9a. you can access a copy of it by clicking HERE *** How to Register We tried to make it easy for you to register and start your team (if you have one). The first person on your team to register can create the team. From there, that person can share the team name and a link for others to join. We also activated the features that allow you to change your team name and the type of team you have (female, male, coed). We are also happy to help with all of this. If you don't have a team yet (or don't want the pressure of creating a team name), no worries! Go ahead and register yourself, and we can help you form a team later. We also allow participants to run solo, unattached from a team. When in doubt, ask! Remember, teams can range from 5 to 7 individuals, with only the top 5 places counting towards your score (with any other runners on your team helping to block other team members from securing lower points). Coed teams do not require the number of males or females they have on them, just at least one member of the opposite gender. The 5K portion of the event is chip-timed. We have youth pricing turned on so anyone under the age of 20 will receive a $10 entry. Contact us at lmcubridgerun@gmail.com if you would like to set up your team so members can all register for free, with a single invoice issued after the event. Awards Gazelle Sports has generously signed on board as an Awards Sponsor this year. They have helped us since the first year. First Overall Female: $20 to Gazelle Sports First Overall Male: $20 to Gazelle Sports First Overall Female Masters: $20 to Gazelle Sports First Overall Male Masters: $20 to Gazelle Sports Middle of the Pack Award: $20 to Gazelle Sports ( given to the person who finishes in the middle of the final order ) Overall Female Team: all team members receive a $15 to Gazelle Sports Overall Male Team: all team members receive a $15 to Gazelle Sports Overall Coed Team: all team members receive a $15 to Gazelle Sports Overall Masters Female Team (all team members must be 40+): all team members receive a $15 to Gazelle Sports Overall Masters Male Team (all team members must be 40+): all team members receive a $15 to Gazelle Sports Overall Masters Coed Team (all team members must be 40+): all team members receive a $15 to Gazelle Sports Most Spirited Team: all team members receive a $15 to Gazelle Sports ( this will be voted on by the race day volunteers ) The FUN Run Mile participants are not eligible for awards. The FUN Run Mile is also not timed. Race Day Timeline 5pm: Bib pickup 6:00pm: Community Fun Run Mile 6:25pm: XC teams report to the starting line 6:30pm: XC race starts 7:30pm: awards We look forward to seeing you on race day!
Hotels Near This Race
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Cross Country Team Challenge 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for July 21.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Grand Rapids, MI.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Cross Country Team Challenge 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI?
Cross Country Team Challenge 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI takes place on July 21, 2026. The race is held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Where is Cross Country Team Challenge 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI held?
Cross Country Team Challenge 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI is held at 1101 Richmond St NW in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near Cross Country Team Challenge 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Grand Rapids. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
