NIRCA Cross Country Open 6K

The NIRCA Cross Country Open 6K is an annual race that precedes the National Intercollegiate Running Club Association National Championships. Blue River Cross Country Course in Shelbyville, IN will host this year's race. Blue River is sure to provide a memorable racing experience. After you race, stay around afterwards and watch the premier race in collegiate club running.

The NIRCA Open 6K is open to the public! If you're a part of the local community, a middle- or high school runner in your post season, a fan of collegiate club running, NIRCA alumni or ineligible athlete, a parent, spectator ...... then this race is for you!

Spikes may be worn at the runner's discretion. This race will take place in rain or shine.

Online registration closes 2 days before the event. Pricing increases starting November 1.
Late/Race-day registration will be available at course, but sign up now to save on your entry fees!

Merchandise will be available for sale at the event. Look for a limited-edition NIRCA Nationals event tee, as well as your favorite NIRCA-branded gear!

In lieu of an awards ceremony, awards will be given to winners immediately upon finish. 

Open 6k Awards provided for:
- Top 3 overall Men
- Top 3 overall Women

NIRCA Challenge 12k/14k awards will be announced during the collegiate race awards immediately following the last event.

We're seeking volunteers for the NIRCA Collegiate Championship races. If you sign up to volunteer during the college races later in the day, you'll receive a discount code for a complimentary entry to the NIRCA Open 6K on race morning. Examples of volunteer roles include Team Check-In, Course Marshal, and Finish Line. 

We'll be posting a link shortly to volunteer so you can claim your free race entry!

We also like to thank our volunteers with NIRCA swag, and we also offer swag for those who sign up early (before supplies run out).

For questions related to volunteering and to join in on the fun with the NIRCA team, get in touch with Tim at tim.appman@clubrunning.org.

*Discount code will be sent in your volunteer email confirmation.

Introducing the NIRCA Cross Country Nationals 14K/12K Challenge!

By popular demand, the 12k/14k challenge is back!

NIRCA athletes are invited to join the challenge by signing up for the Open 6K in addition to their main event (Championship 6K/8K, Fresh/Soph 6K/8K, Junior/Senior, or Grad 6K/8K) for a total race distance of 14K or 12K. Top 3 fastest combined times will secure a spot on the podium.

To participate in the challenge, complete these TWO registration steps on or before the deadlines. 

• Sign up for the collegiate race by Saturday, 11/1: Club leaders must register Challenge participants in the appropriate collegiate races and will be invoiced for the individual entries just as they would any other NIRCA race.

Individual athletes can check their collegiate race registration status on clubrunning.org.
  
  
• Sign up for the Open 6k by Friday, 11/7: Sign up for the Open 6k here on RunSignUp and click the option on the registration page to opt into the challenge. Important -- Registration for the Open 6k does not serve as a substitute for registration into the collegiate races; you must register for both races.
   

This race is not open to the public. You must be registered to compete in a NIRCA National Cross Country event (Championship 6K/8K, Fresh/Soph 6K/8K, Junior/Senior, or Grad 6K/8K) to register and compete in the Challenge.


Challenge registration closes on Friday night before the Open 6k event!

The 6k course map can be found here. Or, click the thumbnail below to access an animated map.

We have reserved special NIRCA blocks with a deadline of October 15th! These rooms will be available to NIRCA teams, spectators, and supporters to ensure you can book a place nearby the Nationals course, with great rates and many which include free hot breakfast.

Hotel block cutoff dates start to hit on 10/15, so book soon!

Link for more info & booking: More info coming soon.

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Parking address:
Blue River Cross Country Course
725 Lee Boulevard
Shelbyville, IN 46176

Parking will be free.