February 13, 2026
Huntsville continues its push as one of the top running destinations in the U.S.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Milton Frank Stadium will again take center stage on the national track & field calendar as the venue is set to host the USATF Youth Outdoor National Championships on June 24th-27th, welcoming the nation’s top young athletes to Rocket City for a week of elite competition.
“This championship is about more than competition,” said Bernard Lagat, USATF’s General Manager of Youth Programs and five-time Olympian. “It’s about creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment where young athletes can challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the sport.”
The USATF Youth Outdoor National Championships bring together top competitors from across the United States, featuring athletes in multiple age divisions competing in a full slate of track and field events, including sprints, distance races, jumps, throws, and relays.
“Huntsville is proud to welcome the nation’s top young athletes to our city for the USATF Youth Outdoor Nationals,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Hosting an event of this caliber at Milton Frank Stadium reflects Huntsville’s continued growth as a premier destination for sports tourism and our commitment to supporting youth athletics at every level.”
Milton Frank Stadium has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, including a resurfaced track and expanded throwing areas capable of hosting major national events. The collaboration between the City of Huntsville, Huntsville City Schools, the Huntsville Sports Commission, and the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau played a critical role in securing the championship.
“Hosting the USATF Youth Outdoor Nationals brings meaningful economic benefits not only to the City of Huntsville, but also to Huntsville City Schools. Building on our successful hosting of the USATF Masters Outdoor Championships in the summer of 2025, events like this continue to elevate Huntsville’s national profile,” said Huntsville City Schools board president Carlos Mathews. “Together, they move us one step closer to establishing Huntsville as a premier destination for the sport of track and field. We are proud to welcome USATF back to the Milton Frank Fast Track.”
The multi-day championship will feature multiple races and field event attempts as athletes compete for national titles and personal bests, while families and spectators fill the stands throughout the week.
“Our top priority is creating a championship-level experience for every athlete who steps onto the track at Milton Frank Stadium,” said Mark Russell, Executive Director of Huntsville Sports Commission. “From the quality of the facility to the energy in the stands, we want these young competitors to feel like they are part of something special the moment they arrive in Huntsville.”
The Youth Outdoor Nationals are expected to generate a strong economic impact for the region, with hundreds of athletes, coaches, and families traveling to Huntsville for the competition.
“For the second straight year, we get to welcome track & field athletes from across the country to Huntsville for a national level meet,” said Joel Lamp, Sports Development Manager for the Huntsville/Madison County CVB. “This is tremendous opportunity to showcase our great city to the top young talent from across the country, providing a significant economic impact to our community.”
For more information on the USATF Youth Outdoor National Championships, visit www.usatf.org.