Pre-RaceDay Festivities - Foot Locker Nationals Cross Country Championships

The weather in San Diego in mid-December for the 35th Annual Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships from a fan's perspective couldn't be any better.  Mild temperatures in the mid 60's and no precipitation greeted everyone arriving in "America's Finest City".

Thursday was arrival day.  Check in, receive some fabulous Asics/Foot Locker gear and get to know your team, your plush surroundings at the Hotel Del Coronado, hang out in the Asics Lounge, maybe go for an optional group run with one of favorite pro's, followed by dinner, some fun activities to include creating their Team T'shirts and meeting your Team Captain's:

Ryan Hall - West

Sara Hall - West

Meb Keflezighi - West

Deena Kastor - South

Edwardo Torres - South

Julie Culley - Northeast

Jorge torres - Northeast

Jason Hartman - Midwest

Molly Huddle- Midwest

Adam Goucher - Midwest

T-Shirt Team Bonding (John Barnhart - Foot Locker)

Pre-Race Interviews (John Barnhart - Foot Locker)

Team t-Shirts (John Barnhart - Foot Locker)

Friday's activities for the Foot Locker Finalists was as action packed or as laid back as the athlete's desire.

COURSE WALK-THROUGH VIDEO'S LINK HERE

Friday - Pretty simple, really.  Wake-up to a room full of new gear in one of the nicest, oldest, most historic hotels in the land, a buffet breakfast followed by boarding the bus at 9AM sharp for the 20 minute bus drive to the course at Balboa Park's Morley Field. 

Meb Keflezighi - West Team Captain and Tyler Bennett (Robert Brown DistancePreps.com)

Once at the course, the athletes had a chance to see their warm-up area's, practice their run through's for the introductions, and then run the 2 loop course and of course, eye the "Hill" and downhill aspects of the course. 

Course Run Through - (Robert Brown - DistancePreps.com)

After the course preview and introductions, it was time to head back to the hotel Del for some lunch followed by an afternoon of more activities and relaxation.

Asics Ryan Hall chilling with the Finalists  (Robert Brown - DistancePreps.com)

Ping-Pong was a big-hit in the Asics Lounge (Robert Brown - DistancePreps.com)

Friday's evening festivities include a Pasta buffet dinner and the special panel discussion with ASICS Elite athletes and Foot Locker Cross Country alumni.

FOOT LOCKER NATIONAL PHOTO'S LINK