Cedar Rapids to host 2018, 2020 NAIA cross country championships

Cedar Rapids and Mount Mercy will host the 2018 and 2020 NAIA men's and women's cross country championships at Seminole Valley Cross Country Course, it was announced Monday.

The dates are Nov. 17, 2018 and Nov. 21, 2020, both Saturdays. Pre-meets will be held about a month prior to each to allow teams the opportunity to experience the course.

Mount Mercy hosted the first collegiate cross country event at Seminole Valley, which is also used for high school races, in 2015. The successful bid was submitted in June.

'Hosting these national championships is a big win for Cedar Rapids,” GO Cedar Rapids President and CEO Aaron McCreight said. 'The Seminole Valley Cross Country Course is a great example of how collaborating to enhance community facilities can pay great dividends.”

Organizers estimate the championships will bring in over $500,000 in visitor spending each year, with 640 runners and 1,500 fans coming to Cedar Rapids.