During the past 25 years many people have complained about the state of decline of distance running in the United States and in particular our place on the world stage. A few have offered astute observations and reasons regarding this demise and why it continues to occur.

Recognizing that the sport of cross country would play an important part in the resurgence of distance running in the United States and that the involvement of teams as well as individuals would play an important role, several youth cross country coaches took it upon themselves to establish a national championship program that would not only recognize team and individual excellence but promote health, wellness and team camaraderie.

Knowing that coaches were going to play an integral part in the success of this endeavor it was essential to have the first host of the Cross Country Coaches National Youth Championships be the Kentucky Track & Cross Country Coaches Association. This group of cross country coaches has put on two of the most successful youth cross country national meets ever when they hosted both the 1999 National AAU Jr. Olympic Cross Country Meet and the 1996 National USATF Jr. Olympic Cross Country Meet.

The governing body of the Cross Country Coaches National Youth Championships is made up of youth cross country coaches from around the country. Their stated purpose is to enrich the lives and promote the health and well being of young runners across the United States.