FSU winter cross nation basic brings in additional than $500,000 in tourism

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (WCTV) – Florida State University’s Winter Cross Country Classic took place at Apalachee Regional Park on Friday morning. The 25 best teams in the country gathered in Tallahassee to compete.

The event grossed over $ 500,000 in tourism for the community.

COVID-19 logs were present during the event on Friday. Masks were required for anyone not actively running. The athletes were required to have negative COVID tests and all spectators were required to undergo a medical screening before entering the park.

The athletes from across the country also brought in spectators from many fields.

Scott Amundsen and his wife traveled from Illinois to see their daughter.

“We tried to fly and we missed our connection in Charlotte. We drove the last 8 hours to get here at 5am this morning to watch the race,” said Amundsen.

Amundsen says his daughter Annie is a freshman running for UT Martin. Friday was her second race.

“Especially with COVID and everything, we were concerned that they would even have a season. Just so that they have a season, even if it’s spring, and when they can travel and see them, we’re just very proud! “Amundsen added.

Jonathan Dom, an online student at Liberty University in Virginia, was able to connect with his university through his visit.

“I don’t have the privilege of being on campus itself, so I feel connected to the school and the program and motivate myself even more,” said Dom.

“A lot of these teams come from the far north or the west, and as we know there is 30 inches of snow! This is a great opportunity for them to come to our community, ”said Amanda Heidecker, sports director, Leon County’s Tourism Department. “Many of them actually came like a week ago and trained here. It’s great for the hotels, it’s great for the restaurants. “

Construction of a multi-purpose building with toilets, a power stage and a finish line in the Apalachee Regional Park is almost complete. Visit Tallahassee is hoping for a tape cut in March.

The Friday event was planned after the NCAA canceled the fall cross-country skiing season and postponed it to spring. The championships will be held in Oklahoma in March, but will be back in Tallahassee in November.

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