The University of Wisconsin athletic department built the Zimmer Championship Course less than 10 years ago with the thought of one day hosting the NCAA men's and women's cross country championship there.
That wish will come true in 2018.
The NCAA on Tuesday awarded its next available cross country national meet to UW and the Zimmer layout adjacent to University Ridge Golf Course on Madison's southwest side.
It's the first time Madison will host the cross country nationals since 1978, when Oregon's Alberto Salazar won the individual race at Yahara Hills Golf Course. Salazar later won three straight New York City Marathons from 1980 to 1982.