EDISON, NJ (August 25, 2026) – The 2026 Metro Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships will be held at Blue Sky Sports Complex in Middletown, NY, for the first time in conference history, with Manhattan University serving as the host institution on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The 2026 championship marks the 46th year of the conference’s cross-country championships, with Blue Sky Sports Complex also set to host the championships in 2027 on Saturday, October 30.

“We are excited to bring the Metro Conference Cross Country Championships to Blue Sky Sports Complex for the first time in 2026.” Said Metro Conference Commissioner Travis Tellitocci. “This new venue, combined with Manhattan University’s commitment to hosting our championships, will provide an outstanding experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans. We look forward to continuing our tradition in the Hudson Valley while beginning an exciting new chapter for the Metro Cross Country Championships.”
 
The Blue Sky Sports Complex is a brand-new, 249-acre destination venue located in the heart of Orange County, NY. The facility offers a premier setting for large-scale sporting events and gatherings, featuring 12 newly constructed natural grass soccer and lacrosse fields, ample parking and expansive open spaces. The complex will welcome the Metro Conference for the 2026 Cross Country Championships and is also equipped to host festivals, soccer and lacrosse tournaments, and other large-scale events.
 
Manhattan has served as the host institution for the conference’s Cross Country Championships 31 times, the most among all current and former conference members. The Jaspers have hosted the championships since 2023 at Twin Ponds on the Farm in Montgomery, NY. Prior to that, Manhattan hosted the championships in 2013 at historic Van Cortlandt Park in Bronx, NY.
 
“We are thrilled to host the Metro Cross Country Championships at our brand-new home, the Blue Sky Sports Complex, for the next two years.” Said Director of Athletics Irma Garcia. “This state-of-the-art facility features premier amenities designed to elevate the experience for every student-athlete and coach. With the Jasper Fall Invitational just weeks away at the Blue Sky Sports Complex, we look forward to a fantastic partnership that builds momentum from the regular season all the way to the conference championship."
 
The 2026 championships mark a return to Orange County, NY, following the conference’s previous championship appearances at Twin Ponds on the Farm. With the venue no longer being used as a cross country racing course, the conference selected Blue Sky Sports Complex as the new championship site for the 2026 and 2027 championships.
 
All information regarding the 2026 Metro Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships can be found here.