A History of Apalachee Regional Park

A History of the Award Winning Cross Country Trail at Apalachee Regional Park

Apalachee Regional Park (ARP) stands as a symbol of transformation—a story of how vision and collaboration can turn an unlikely space into a world-class venue. What once served as a county landfill and wooded cow pasture has evolved into a premier cross-country destination, hosting some of the most prestigious running events in the nation. It remains one of Leon County’s greatest success stories, a testament to its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

The park’s journey began with a dream shared by local running enthusiasts and community leaders who envisioned something extraordinary for this land. Early efforts were championed by Amanda Heidecker, a former NCAA competitive runner for Florida State University and former member of Visit Tallahassee, a division of Leon County Tourism, whose previous role with Leon County Parks and Recreation laid the foundation for ARP’s initial development. Her passion and commitment helped guide the park’s transformation, ensuring it met the needs of both athletes and the community.

“In Leon County, the days of running cross-country races on makeshift surfaces and golf courses are long gone. We had a vision, and together, through our partnerships in the community, we created the premier permanent cross-country course in the nation.” – Amanda Heidecker.

Local running leaders, including Florida State University’s Bob Braman and Leon High School’s Scott Corbin, were instrumental in shaping ARP’s trajectory. Braman, a vocal advocate for the park’s potential, worked closely with Leon County to design a course that would attract national and international attention. His leadership ensured ARP became the chosen venue for the NCAA Division I National Championships—a historic first for Florida in the race’s 83-year history. Similarly, Corbin’s dedication to fostering youth athletics has brought countless high school meets to the park, cementing it as a hub for Florida’s running community.

The Gulf Winds Track Club, a cornerstone of the local running scene, also played a pivotal role in ARP’s evolution. Through their advocacy and event coordination, the club ensured the park would be a central hub for runners of all ages and abilities.

A Premier Multi-Use Facility

Apalachee Regional Park is one of the nation’s few sites specifically designed for cross-country running. Its pristine, multi-surface trail offers numerous course and distance options through rolling hills, lowlands, and pine forests, providing athletes a challenging and scenic experience. Designed to accommodate events of all sizes, the trail allows runners to compete on a variety of surfaces, while ensuring year-round access for the public to enjoy hiking, running, and biking.

In addition to the cross-country course, ARP features four multi-purpose grass fields equipped with American football goals—two of which are lighted. These versatile fields host activities such as soccer, lacrosse, and Pop Warner football tournaments. The park also includes a remote-controlled airplane and helicopter airfield, further expanding its range of recreational opportunities.

A 3,500-vehicle parking area ensures the park can accommodate large-scale events, positioning ARP as a venue capable of hosting national and international competitions.

Investing in a Vision

The park’s transformation began in 2009 when Leon County, in partnership with Florida State University Athletics, the Gulf Winds Track Club, and Leon County Parks and Recreation, opened an 8-mile running trail. The first cross-country race was held in October of that year, sparking a vision for what the park could become.

Recognizing ARP’s potential, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners invested $300,000 in 2012 to widen the course to 10 meters, meeting NCAA requirements and attracting larger events. More recently, a $3 million investment in 2021 brought major improvements, including:

• A multipurpose building with restrooms
• A permanent finish line structure and awards stage
• Landscaping and fully accessible sidewalks to enhance the event experience for all visitors

These enhancements have elevated ARP’s ability to host events of global significance while ensuring the community enjoys top-tier facilities year-round.

A Global Cross-Country Destination

Since its early days, ARP has hosted over 100 cross-country meets, including nine national championships, and welcomed over 80,000 runners. By the end of this cross-country season, events held at ARP will have generated over $40 million in direct spending in Leon County, underscoring the park’s role as a driver of sports tourism and economic impact.

Major milestones include hosting:

• NCAA Division I Pre-Nationals and National Championships
• Florida High School State Championships
• USA Track and Field Club Nationals
• Florida State University Cross Country Invitational

In 2026, ARP will achieve a new pinnacle as it hosts the World Athletics Cross Country Championships on January 10—a first for both the state of Florida and Leon County.

A Testament to Sustainability and Community

Apalachee Regional Park’s transformation is part of a master plan to repurpose the former Solid Waste Management Facility into a thriving regional park. It stands today as evidence of Leon County’s and its partners’ commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable growth.

The park’s legacy is one of collaboration and vision, thanks to leaders like Amanda Heidecker, Bob Braman, Scott Corbin, and organizations such as the Gulf Winds Track Club and Florida State University. Their hard work has positioned Leon County as a prominent outdoor destination where sports tourism benefits the entire community.

Celebrating the Journey

Today, Apalachee Regional Park continues to set the standard for national cross-country venues. Its versatile course, designed with input from athletes and coaches, features rolling hills, pine forests, and scenic trails, offering runners a challenging and inspiring experience.

With its remarkable history and future on the global stage, ARP stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, vision, and community collaboration—a true landmark for Leon County.