The Central Children’s Home of North Carolina and the Durham Striders Youth Association will host the Central Children’s Home Cross Country festival on September 26 in Oxford, NC.

There will be a total of 15 events contested throughout the day including the Central Children’s Home 5 km Run, four youth division races comprising the Body Billboards Youth Invitational, the Visit Granville Invitational featuring high school and middle school events, and the CCH Collegiate Invitational with races for men and women. In addition, the Festival will host the 2026 NC USATF Association Cross Country Championships for Open and Masters Men (8k) and Women (6k), which will run concurrently with the collegiate races.

Proceeds from the Cross-Country Festival will benefit in part the Central Children’s Home of North Carolina, and the Durham Striders Youth Association. 

Days Inn Oxford will extend a group rate for Festival participants. If unable to secure the discount through the website, please call Days Inn Oxford at 919-693-9151.

The Oxford Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor will have a food truck on site on race day!