Lansing Sun

Michigan State University has been chosen to host the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Cross Country Great Lakes Regional. The event will take place at Forest Akers East Golf Course in partnership with the Lansing Sports Commission, as announced by the NCAA.

"We are excited to be selected to host the 2026 NCAA Cross Country Regional Championship," stated Alan Haller, Michigan State Vice President and Director of Athletics. He emphasized Michigan State's strong tradition in cross country, highlighting nine NCAA titles, including their first championship in 1939 and their latest in 2014. "This is a tremendous opportunity for both our men's and women's teams to chase their own championship dreams on their home course," Haller added.

Forest Akers East is known for hosting Michigan State's annual Spartan Invitational each September. This marks the first occasion that MSU will host an NCAA Regional event. Historically, the Forest Akers courses hosted the NCAA DI Men's Cross Country Championships from 1958 to 1964, and MSU has organized the Big Ten Championships six times.

Michigan State is among nine hosts for the 2026 NCAA Cross Country Regionals. The Association selected over 240 sites for preliminary and final rounds across Divisions I, II, and III, mainly for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. This selection process represents a shift from a four-year cycle to a two-year one.

The NCAA received more than 1,200 bids from various member schools, conferences, cities, and sports commissions across 47 states and Washington D.C., all vying to host predetermined rounds for most of its championships. The respective sports committees within the NCAA chose these sites with final approval coming from divisional competition oversight and championships committees.