Memphis, TN, December 6, 2025

Memphis, TN, is poised to play a vital role in the national sports landscape with the launch of the USATF Tour, which will feature 17 track and field meets culminating in the Ed Murphey Classic in 2026. This initiative aims to standardize event scheduling and improve media exposure, making it easier for athletes to compete. The introduction of a $50,000 prize pool and the USATF Campus for educational resources further emphasizes the commitment to enhancing athletics in Memphis and beyond.

The Exciting Launch of the USATF Tour: A Boost for Memphis TN

Memphis is set to become a key player in the track and field scene with the USATF Tour’s final event.

The sports landscape in Memphis, TN, is about to witness a transformative enhancement with the introduction of the inaugural USATF Tour. Organized by USA Track & Field (USATF), this groundbreaking initiative will feature 17 track and field meets across the United States, culminating in our very own Ed Murphey Classic here in Memphis in July 2026. By effectively standardizing event scheduling and reducing overlaps, the USATF Tour aims to provide athletes with ample opportunities to compete and thrive, all while enhancing media coverage of domestic meets.

This initiative reflects a promising direction for community engagement in athletics, spotlighting the resilience and capability of local organizers to lead significant sporting events. As the Ed Murphey Classic prepares to take center stage as the final event of the tour, there is an exciting path ahead that highlights how effective coordination can empower athletes and invigorate local sports culture.

The USATF Tour: An Overview

Launching on March 28, 2026, in San Juan Capistrano, California, the USATF Tour will span several months, wrapping up with the Ed Murphey Classic on July 11-12, 2026. This initiative promises to unite 17 World Athletics-labeled meets across various cities, including notable stops in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Portland, ensuring that athletes have consistent venues to showcase their skills.

Benefits for Athletes

A key feature of the USATF Tour includes the provision of $50,000 in prize money, awarded to the athletes who garner the highest number of World Athletics performance points during their top three events. This financial incentive is particularly appealing, fostering a competitive environment where athletes can be rewarded for their hard work and dedication. The structure of the tour is expected to empower individual achievement and encourage widespread participation among competitors.

Introducing the USATF Campus

Complementing the launch of the tour, USATF has also introduced the USATF Campus—a comprehensive online platform designed for the educational advancement of coaches, athletes, and officials. Offering a variety of courses, including Level 1 Event Specific Training, this resource is geared toward enhancing the skill sets of those involved in the sport. By allowing individuals to engage in self-paced studying and optional interactive sessions, the USATF Campus is a prime example of fostering talent through education.

The Impact on Memphis’ Local Community

Hosting the Ed Murphey Classic provides Memphis with an opportunity to enrich its local sporting culture. Engaged community leadership, active participation in organizing, and strategic partnerships can lead to successful events that resonate well beyond the track. The streamlined efforts presented by the USATF Tour can ignite a renewed spirit of involvement among local athletics and sports enthusiasts, further enhancing Memphis’ reputation as a vibrant hub for athletic events.

Summary and Call to Action

As the date draws closer for the USATF Tour and the Ed Murphey Classic, residents of Memphis can feel a sense of pride and excitement. This initiative not only bolsters local engagement in athletics but also draws attention to the outstanding opportunities available for athletes. Embracing community engagement and supporting these efforts will undoubtedly contribute to Memphis’ growth as a notable location for sporting events. It is crucial for us as a community to stay involved, cheer on our athletes, and promote the positive impact of such events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ Schema in JSON-LD Format

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the USATF Tour?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The USATF Tour is an inaugural series of 17 World Athletics-labeled track and field meets across the United States, aiming to standardize event scheduling, reduce overlaps, and enhance media coverage for domestic meets, providing athletes with more opportunities to compete and improve."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "When does the USATF Tour begin and end?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The tour is set to commence on March 28, 2026, with The TEN in San Juan Capistrano, California, and conclude on July 11-12, 2026, with the Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis, Tennessee."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Which cities are included in the USATF Tour?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The USATF Tour includes events in cities such as Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland, and Tucson, among others."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the Ed Murphey Classic?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The Ed Murphey Classic is a track and field meet in Memphis, Tennessee, which will serve as the final stop on the 2026 USATF Tour."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Is there a prize for athletes in the USATF Tour?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes, USATF will offer $50,000 in prize money to the male and female athletes who earn the highest number of World Athletics performance points in their three highest-scoring competitions during the series."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the USATF Campus?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The USATF Campus is an online platform designed to provide educational resources and training for coaches, officials, and athletes, offering a range of courses, including the Level 1 Event Specific Training."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How can I access the USATF Campus?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The USATF Campus is accessible through the USATF website, where individuals can enroll in various courses and training programs."
      }
    }
  ]
}

Key Features of the USATF Tour and USATF Campus

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.