For the first time ever, Columbia is hosting the NAIA cross country championship this week. The event is expected to have a big financial impact on the city.
"There's that direct economic impact, which is almost $900,000 for that one-day event," said Megan McConachie, the communications and outreach supervisor at Visit Columbia MO. "There is also the lasting economic impact. When we host a high-profile, premier event like this, it helps establish Columbia with a reputation of a destination that can host these big events."
McConachie said this multi-day event encourages people to try local venues.
"When you have visitors come in, they're going to stay at our hotels, dine at our restaurants, shop at our stores, get gas at our gas stations," McConachie said. "Those are some of our closest industry partners; we're working with them all the time."
She also believes Columbia is becoming a premier cross-country destination. More than 800 athletes and coaches from 72 schools are in Columbia for the championship. One coach said the course at Gans Creek is very unique.
"At each 'K marker', there's these big screens that give you pretty instant results or where you are at in the race, which is really awesome for instant feedback," said Brody Veiler, the head cross country coach at Indiana Wesleyan University. "That gives athletes an idea of where they are at in the course, and it gives me an idea, too, of where they are at so I can give some verbal feedback."
The city-owned course also received praise from a Columbia College representative.
"It is incredible," said Drew Grzella, the associate director of athletics and events at Columbia College. "It allows our student-athletes to train, to prepare. It allows other communities to be jealous of us, it allows these student-athletes to have a first-class race experience."
Columbia is hosting the event after submitting the winning bid. An NAIA representative said Columbia's bid stood out because of solid relationships.
"Both (Columbia College and Columbia) pairing together and working together to create that experience," said Katie Green, the senior manager for athletic communications for NAIA. "We're working to create those big moments of 'our team is raising the red banner' at the end of the day."
Schools from all over the country are participating, so Columbia's central location also helped its bid.
"We really try to do this for the community," said Grzella. "As far as Columbia College goes, I know this elevates our cross country programs in recruiting and stature."
Columbia will host the cross country championships again in 2027 and 2030.