SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
The nation’s top military athletes are set to compete as the Navy hosts the 2026 Armed Forces Cross Country Championship. The race will take place on Saturday, 24 January, at the Windcrest Golf Club. Elite runners from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy (including Coast Guard members), and Air Force (including Space Force members) will vie for individual and team glory.
This year's championship promises high stakes and fierce competition as defending champions return to the field. The Air Force Men's Team and the Navy Women's Team, who clinched the first-place titles in the 2025 championship, are back and looking to repeat.
The men's race features a powerful and familiar lineup from the Air Force, which swept the podium in 2025. All three medalists are returning, led by defending Gold Medalist SrA Daniel Michalski. Teammates 1st Lt Ryan Johnson and 1st Lt Ryan Ioanidis, who earned silver and bronze respectively, are also back on the roster, making the Air Force team a formidable force and the clear favorites.
In the women’s race, all eyes will be on Army SGT Colett Rampf-Cribbs, the reigning 2025 Gold Medalist, as she returns to defend her individual title. However, she will face a strong challenge from the defending champion Navy team. The Navy women will be led by 2025 Silver Medalist LT Madison Overby, who is eager to claim the top spot and lead her team to another victory.
The championship is a showcase of the incredible dedication and physical prowess of the U.S. Armed Forces. Join us to witness an exciting day of elite competition and cheer on these exceptional service members as they race for the title of Armed Forces Champion.
For updates, photos, and results, follow Armed Forces Sports at www.armedforcessports.defense.gov.