The John F. Hall Catawba County United Way Cross Country Invitational has become one of the largest high school athletic events in Western North Carolina. This unique event, which unites high-level competition, a strong message for youth and lots of fun, has come a long way since its beginning.

The meet was started in 1993, the brainchild of Hickory businessman John Hall. His sons ran cross country for Hickory High School at the time, and he wanted to create a first-class event for local youth. As a longtime United Way volunteer, he was also interested in sharing United Way values with young people. 

The event was re-named for John Hall in 2022 to honor his ongoing commitment to inspire local youth in competition and in service to their community.

In 1994 the meet expanded and was moved to the newly created Southside Park in Newton. Since that time, it has exploded in popularity and now draws hundreds of runners from across the state.

Its winners include several state champions and NCAA All-Americans, and the meet has always delivered a powerful message to runners and fan.

Along with being a competitive meet, teams learn the value of service by completing community service projects, making this a truly unique and special event. Our requirement of a service project each year has produced some incredibly creative work that has touched the lives of thousands in your communities. 

The Rotary Club of Hickory helps the teams provide even more impact in their community by rewarding the top three projects with monetary prizes they can use to support a local non-profit of their choice.

We look forward to carrying on this tradition of first-class cross country competition and community involvement into the future.

Watch 2019 Cross Country Video