Parent - Spectator Info for 2022 XC Nationals
November 8th, 2022
Tips and details for spectators at NIRCA Nationals in Richmond, VA
#NIRCANats Spectator Race Day Info
Welcome to the NIRCA Cross Country National Championships in Richmond, VA…
We're excited you're making the trip out to support club running!
Weather Alert
The weather in Richmond has potential for heavy rainfall leading up to race day. The forecast for Friday predicts rain all day with winds at 10 to 15 mph. There is a chance of rain on Saturday with an anticipated high of 65° F. Be prepared for the rain and you'll leave Virginia as healthy (& dry!) as when you came.
In the event of inclement weather:
-Instructions will be provided over the Public Address system at the course, as well as on our social media (Facebook & Instagram).
-Delays or cancellations will be reviewed on a case by case basis, assessing future risk, and following local/park guidelines for sport safety,
-The event will be delayed if there are signs of lightning.
-The event has run historically in rain, snow, or shine. If the event is cancelled on account of inclement weather, everyone must exit the course.
Course Maps
Event Information
Finalized Event Schedule
Saturday, November 12
| 7:00 AM | Packet pickup begins |
| 8:00 AM | NIRCA Open & Community 6k (register) |
| 9:00 AM | 6k Jr/Sr/Grad |
| 10:00 AM | 8k Jr/Sr/Grad 6k |
| 11:00 AM | 6k Championship |
| 12:00 PM | 8k Championship |
| 1:00 PM | 6k Freshman/Sophomore |
| 2:00 PM | 8k Freshman/Sophomore |
| 2:45 PM | Class Race Recognition |
| 3:15 PM | Championship Race Recognition |
- Parking
Course Address: 8996 Pole Green Park Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.
Park in the grass, entering the area just past the Pole Green Park Skate Park. Keep an eye out for volunteers who will help you park so we can maximize parking space. Overflow parking is available in Pole Green Elementary parking lot. - Check out the map for more details.
- Medical & Emergencies
If you see an athlete or spectator experiencing a medical emergency, notify the closest NIRCA staff member or volunteer. Please do not call 911; NIRCA follows specific protocols for emergency events and has a full medical team on site to provide the most efficient and quick access/treatment.
- Race Course
We have an amazing group of volunteers supporting us as course marshals this year. To avoid any confusion - please allow course marshals and official event staff to direct runners on the course.
At the finish line, only athletes who recently finished their race can be in the finish area, which can become congested quickly & contribute to timing errors that delay/negatively impact results accuracy. You can look forward to congratulating your athlete(s) once they've left the finish chute!
- Race Day Info
All details you'll need, including schedule, results (here), and course maps are available on the Event Coverage page.
Want to know some of the best spots to watch the race? Check out our spectator map of the course to see your runners the most on race day below, which applies for both 8k and 6k courses. (Click to view in browser)
Check out the Merchandise tent on-site at Nationals. There'll be a fresh batch of NIRCA gear and a special event t-shirt available for sale. Hurry - we always sell out, so come early!
Concessions will be available at the course, starting with some breakfast item and lunch offerings all day long. Bring cash if you'll be buying food!
Professional photos are being taken throughout the day. They will be edited & posted on Facebook within two weeks after the event.
Results will be posted on Saturday as they become available, which you can access here. {link is: https://runsignup.com/clubnationals}
Local Attractions
VisitRichmondVA.com has a great list of things to do before or after the race to help make this weekend unforgettable!
Some of the highlights include:-
-James River Park system which feature 40+ miles of trails, Belle Isle, Brown's Island and the only urban Class IV rapids on the Lower James River.
-Wide variety of museums including the VA Museum of Fine Arts (free admission!), Edgar Allen Poe Museum (Poe was raised in Richmond), and the American Civil War Museum.
-Carytown - Richmond's "mile of style" boutique-lined street with a focus on small locally owned business and restaurants.
-Hollywood Cemetery which includes the final resting place for two U.S. presidents and a beautiful view of the James River.
-Scott's Addition with over 10 breweries & cideries, arcade & gaming halls and some of the top restaurants in Richmond.
Can't make it to Richmond?
If the weather and electronics cooperate, we'll be streaming the event live on our social media accounts. Feel like you're there!
Thank you for your continued support of NIRCA and club running!
Without our amazing partner,
NIRCA Nationals wouldn't be possible.
Thank you to:
Stephanie Bartley, NIRCA