January 28, 2004
(INDIANAPOLIS) The 2004 USA Cross Country Championships and World Cross Country Championship Team Trials, hosted by the Indiana Invaders in downtown Indianapolis on February 7th and 8th, will offer the community a chance to share the experience with a community cross country 4 kilometer race on the international style championship course, several youth cross country fun runs (grades K-7) will also be offered, in addition to a celebrity mascot cross country race.

The 4K community cross country race will be held on Sunday, February 8th at 9:15am. The Youth Fun Runs will vary from 400 meters to 1000 meters and are offered on Saturday, February 8th at 10:00am just before the celebrity mascot race. The Youth Fun Run, sponsored by the Indiana Invaders, is a free event for kids to be conducted at 10:00 AM. There is no required registration process. Championship races determining the US National Team for the World Cross Country Championships, featuring America's top distance athletes, will be held on both days following the Youth Fun Run and the Community race.

The celebrity mascot cross country race will feature local sport team mascots including the Colts footballs, Rowdie of the Indianapolis Indians, the Butler Bulldog, and more. The USA national champion of mascot cross country racing will be determined on Saturday, February 7th at 10:20 am. The championship course is located at the 16th Street & Fall Creek Park within minutes of downtown Indianapolis.

Team Director Greg Harger said, "The community race and the youth fun run are a great opportunity for the community to come out and have fun running a cross country race in the style of international cross country and then they can watch America's best distance runners battle for a berth on a World Championship Team. Indiana residents will not get a better chance this year to see Olympians and Future Olympians competing in our sport under Championship conditions." Harger added, "The mascot race should be entertaining for the kids and locals as we have had a bit of fun trash talk and competitive speculation already circling the event regarding those mascots invited but unable to make the starting line and those that may or may not be equipped for the conditions."

Register Online for the Community 4K Cross Country Challenge:
Register Online

The Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998, presenting an innovative approach to track & field by providing a resident-based, athlete-centered support system unique to the sport in the United States.