This is Jeff Benjamin’s piece on the upcoming USATF championships coming to Randall’s Island, New York in July 2026.
Will NYC Become “Track City USA”? By Jeff Benjamin – 3/24
All of us Track & Field geeks out there are very well aware that Eugene, Oregon – whose Hayward Field has hosted numerous Championships – has earned the moniker “Track Town USA”!
Now, this upcoming summer, the Big Apple is looking at being labeled “Track City USA”!
For the first time ever, the USATF Outdoor & Paralympic National Championships will be hosted by Randall’s Island’s Icahn Stadium here in NYC.
“We are excited for the opportunity to hold our marquee meet in New York City, where the United States’ top runners, jumpers, and throwers will get to showcase their talents in front of new and longtime fans,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel, also noting that longtime sponsor Toyota is with the meet once again.
Yet, the Championships, which will be taking place from July 23rd to the 26th, DOES have a rich history on the fabled Island going back over nine decades, albeit in different forms.
The legendary Jesse Owens competed there at the 1936 Olympic Trials, setting a world record in the 100 meters before the NYC crowd.l in what was known on Randall’s Island as Downing Stadium.
National Champions were crowned at the NYC editions during World War II (1942-1945) and in 1961. In 1966, legendary Decathlete Bill Toomey set a World Record there, as did Leroy Burrell in the 100 meters at the 1991 edition.
With a solid team of the New York Road Runners, Central Park Track Club, Randall’s Island Park Alliance & USATF contributing, fans can look out for new breakthrough performances this summer!!
Bell Lap – From The USATF site –
“Qualifying standards for the 2026 Toyota USATF Outdoor and Para National Championships will be announced in the coming weeks. The event will be broadcast live on NBC on Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26. It will be streamed on USATF.TV July 23-24. Tickets will be available in the spring.”
