Dear Parents,
I’m excited to share a race opportunity that Armstrong runners have enjoyed over the years—the Nike Cross Regionals – Heartland (NXR) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Please note: This event is not affiliated with Armstrong High School or the Armstrong Cross Country Team.Participation is completely optional, and if your runner is currently on the Armstrong team, their Armstrong team commitments should remain their top priority.
NXR is a fun, flexible, and optional race. It’s open to a wide range of runners and can be as relaxed or competitive as each athlete wants it to be. The event features several open races for boys and girls, as well as a Championship race for both boys and girls.
What: Nike Cross Regionals – Heartland (NXR)
Who: Any Falcon runner—not limited to current cross country athletes
When: Saturday, November 14–Sunday, November 15, 2026
Where: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Event Website: Nike Cross Regionals – Heartland
Coordinators: Tracie Ditty and I will be coordinating the weekend for the boys and girls who choose to participate. Please feel free to share this information with other Falcon runners who may be interested.
Saturday, November 14
Meet at Armstrong High School at 7:30 AM
Caravan to Sioux Falls, with stops in Jordan at the Candy Store and for lunch in Worthington
Visit the race course for a course walk/run and Nike merch shopping
Check into the hotel - Glo Best Western, Sioux Falls
Group dinner, mostly likely at Pizza Ranch
Sunday, November 15
Arrive early at the course for warm-ups and races
Boys’ and girls’ races will be scheduled close together to make the day as efficient as possible
Return to Armstrong High School after the races, arrival around 6:00 PM
All participating athletes will be staying at the Glo Best Western in Sioux Falls. We have also reserved a block of rooms at the same hotel for parents and family members who would like to stay with the group.
Rate: $119 per night, plus tax
Group Name: Armstrong HS – Cross Country Parents
Rooms will be held until October 14, 2026, and any remaining rooms will be released after that date.
Hotel: Glo Best Western
Phone: 605-275-4000
Parents/families are responsible for making their own hotel reservations. When calling, please mention the group name “Armstrong HS – Cross Country Parents” to receive the group rate.
The estimated cost is $60 per runner, which includes:
Race entry
Hotel
Race-day snacks and drinks
A non-refundable $60 deposit and completed NXR Participant Waiver are required to reserve a spot.
Runners should also bring additional money for:
Saturday lunch and dinner
Sunday breakfast and lunch
Optional Candy Store purchases
Optional NXR merchandise
Race singlet, if needed
Race attire: Past participants have worn the following:
Boys: Blue Falcons Flyer singlet with hot pink shorts
Girls: pink shorts and black top
Because this is not a school-sponsored event, there will be no official Armstrong coaches or school chaperones accompanying the group. Each runner must be connected with a parent or other responsible adult who can provide transportation and supervision for the weekend.
Once we determine the number of interested runners, we will work with families to coordinate drivers and finalize the remaining logistics.
If your runner would like to participate, please complete the Google Form by October 3, 2026.
A completed NXR Participant Waiver and $60 non-refundable deposit are required to reserve your runner’s spot.
Once we have a final list of participants, we will create a group message and send out additional details regarding transportation, hotel arrangements, meals, race schedules, and other weekend logistics.
We hope your runner will consider joining us for a fun weekend of racing and spending time with fellow Falcon runners!
Kind regards,
Lindsey Breker & Tracie Ditty
763-248-9442
Feel free to call, text, or email with any questions!