USA Track & Field Pacific Association

25th Annual UC Santa Cruz XC Challenge, Santa Cruz
4.15 miles. Aug 23, 2026

77 women from ages 18-84
120 men from ages 19-80

Perfect conditions for the XC SEASON OPENER on a GORGEOUS WODDED COURSE - 2 loops.

Thank you Santa Cruz Track Club for a sensational morning and perfectly organised race.

Next stop on the circuit is the 33rd annual Phil Widener Empire Open

Sunday, August 30, 2026
PA/USATF Cross Country

3.4 miles
3 races:
Women's Open: 8:45 am
Men's Masters (40 and older): 9:30 am
Men's Open: 10:30 am

Please plan to arrive early to avoid backups at the park entrance kiosk. Carpool if possible.

$1500 PRIZE PURSE FOR USATF MEMBERS AND TEAMS

Online registration
deadline to register Thursday, August 27th

Free for ERC members
$25 for non-members

Free for PAUSATF comped athletes (must have been awarded comped entry for the 2025 XC season by the PAUSATF)

We encourage all participants to consider becoming an Empire Runner's Club member for $12 as a youth or $36 as an adult, which includes free race registration year-round to multiple events and additional opportunities.

Mail in Registration

Must be received by Wednesday, August 26th. Send check payable to Empire Runners to: Empire Open
1350A Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95405

$25 for member/non-members

Free for PAUSATF comped athletes (must have been awarded comped entry for the 2026 XC season by the PAUSATF)

NO RACE DAY ENTRIES. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Entry fees are not refundable unless the event is canceled.
Confirmation email is your proof of registration.

Greetings,

The clock is ticking. The last chance to apply for a George Kleeman Training Grant is July 12, 2026.

Eligible post-collegiate athletes may receive $1,000 in training support, with the opportunity for additional funding for athletes who qualify for and attend the 2026 USATF National Championships.

Eligibility requirements, terms, and application details are available on the USATF Pacific Foundation website at www.USATFpacificfoundation.org

Application available at: 2026 George Kleeman Grant Application.

Best Regards,

USATF Pacific Foundation

Greetings,

The USATF Pacific Foundation is now accepting applications for its George Kleeman Training Grant. Eligible post-collegiate athletes may receive $1,000 in training support, with the opportunity for additional funding for athletes who qualify for and attend the 2026 USATF National Championships.

Applications must be submitted by July 12, 2026.

Eligibility requirements, terms, and application details are available on the USATF Pacific Foundation website at www.USATFpacificfoundation.org

Application available at: 2026 George Kleeman Grant Application.

Best Regards,

USATF Pacific Foundation

Great group of PA officials for the community college NorCal combined events champs at Hartnell college this past week

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 USATF Masters Outdoor Championships!

Calling all Masters Athletes!

This year's track season is now in full swing, and registration is officially open for the 2026 USATF Masters Outdoor Championships.

The championships will be held Thursday, July 16th through Sunday, July 19th, 2026, at the world-class SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio. SPIRE is a premier venue featuring a professional-grade, nine-lane, 400-meter Benyon track and over 825,000 square feet of indoor performance and recovery space.

Don’t wait until the last minute and miss the on-time deadline! Here is what you need to know to get registered:

Eligibility: There are no qualifying standards to enter! You just need to be 25 years or older (as of July 16, 2026) and be a current 2026 USATF member in good standing. If you are not yet a USATF member, you can sign up!

On-Time Deadline: Tuesday, June 16th at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Late Deadline: Monday, Tuesday June 23rd at 11:59 PT. (Please note: a $60 late fee per athlete applies during this window ).

Registration Fees: $65 for your first event, $41 for the second event, and $20 for each additional event.

Relays: Relay entries are $60 per team and are entered on-site, but every member of your relay team must already be registered for the meet prior to the deadline.

We look forward to seeing you all in Northeast Ohio for another fantastic championship!

Longtime coach-innovator Bob Rush passes
Bob Rush passed away in his sleep Saturday at the age of 90.
Bob will be remembered for his passion for coaching and innovation. Highlights included:
- Successful coach at the College of San Mateo from 1969-1995, one of his most famous athletes being comedian Dana Carvey, and after retirement continued as a prolific meet organizer and announcer.
- Inventor of the Chronomix timing system in 1978, which revolutionized road racing and cross-country timing.
- Developer and guardian of the Crystal Springs Cross Country Course in Belmont. Since its development in 1969, the course has hosted numerous international, national, state, and sectional championships with three generations of runners testing themselves on hills aptly named cardiac and heartbreak. Bob ran across the course finish line on his 90th birthday last June, cheered on by family and friends.
Celebration of Life details are pending.

ARE YOU A TRACK & FIELD SPECIALIST LOOKING FOR THE DREAM JOB THAT FINALLY HAS AN OPENING?

RENO BASED OR TOTALLY ALL IN TO MOVE THERE AND TACKLE THE JOB OF YOUR DREAMS.

RENO BABY! (Full job link below - click and apply today).

https://www.rscva.com/careers/
Track and Field Specialist
Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority - Reno, NV 89502

Overview
Position Type
Full-Time

Job Shift
Day

Education Level
Bachelor's

Description
The Indoor Track and Field Specialist for the Reno – Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority will serve as the consultant and liaison to the University of Nevada’s athletics department, the Pacific Association / USA Track & Field, other outside organizations and collegiate conferences, and special events requesting use of the facility during the prescribed national competitive indoor track & field season.

BENEFITS: The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees:

100% employer paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Group Life, Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance for employees.
50% employer paid Medical, Dental, Vision and Group Life Insurance for dependents.
Enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System of Nevada – 100% employer paid contributions.
Paid vacation and sick time.
12 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday.
457(b) Deferred Compensation plan.
Additional voluntary supplemental insurance programs

Correction: Not four, but FIVE American Records were set at the Reno Indoor Track Championships on Sat., Jan. 31! They include George Matthews M80-85 Super Heavy Weight throw, the Sierra Gold's M80-84 4x400 meter Relay Team shown below, and two women members of Joy's JackRabbits TC! To view their marks & photos and see complete results visit: https://www.pausatf.org/four-american-records-set-at-reno-indoor-champs/