The Doris Heritage Award is given annually by the Cross Country Council to acknowledge the contributions made by an individual or individuals to the sport of cross country running. The award was named to honor the outstanding contributions made by Doris Brown Heritage, five-time world cross country champion, former Chair of the women's cross country sub-committee, and former member of the IAAF Cross Country Technical Committee (since 2004, when combined with the Men’s Contributor Award). As of 2017, Cross Country Council Awards Committee submits a list of nominees. Cross Country Council votes separately on all nominees at or before USATF Annual Meeting. All candidates who receive support from at least 2/3 of the total number of votes will win the award. If none receive 2/3, then re-vote with all candidates together and the candidate with the most votes will win the award.
1989-2004: The Doris Heritage Award was given annually by the women's cross country sub-committee to acknowledge the contributions made by an individual or individuals to the sport of women's cross country running. The award was named to honor the outstanding contributions made by Doris Brown Heritage, five-time world cross country champion. *Note: Harry Simonis (2002) and Fred Finke (2003) were originally recognized as “Men’s Contributor” (acknowledges the contributions made by an individual or individuals to the sport of men's cross country running), but they have now been listed here since the Doris Heritage Award now recognizes contributors to both men’s and women’s cross country.
This award honors an organization or group that has promoted and developed the sport of cross country running. As of 2017, Cross Country Council Awards Committee submits a list of nominees. Cross Country Council votes on all nominees at or before USATF Annual Meeting. The candidate with the most votes will win the award.
Awarded to the top performing male athlete of year as voted on by the USATF Cross Country Council at or before the USATF Annual Meeting.
Awarded to the top performing female athlete of year as voted on by the USATF Cross Country Council at or before the USATF Annual Meeting.