As the 2025-2026 cross country season approaches, a major development has emerged that will impact two of the most prestigious events in the region. The Nike South Invitational and Nike Cross Regionals South (NXR South) will no longer be hosted at their long-standing home of Bear Branch Park in The Woodlands, Texas. Instead, both meets will move to the Watts Cross Country Course in College Station, a venue known for hosting high-level competitions, including multiple NCAA Regional Championships.
This marks a significant shift in tradition, as Bear Branch Park had served as the venue for both events since their inception. However, with the explosive growth of these meets-each drawing thousands of runners from across the region-the move to College Station offers a timely solution. The Watts course, located just outside the Texas A&M University campus, features expansive starting lines, wide running lanes, and ample space for spectators, making it a natural fit for events of this size and caliber.
With this change, both Nike South and NXR South will not only continue to offer elite racing opportunities, but now do so at a facility built for high-volume, high-stakes cross country competition. As the sport continues to grow, the move underscores a commitment to providing top-tier racing environments for athletes from Texas and beyond.
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