Your Essential Guide to the Strider Cup Indoor Championship

Who is Coming and When is the Event?

The 2026 Strider Cup Indoor Championship will take place in Box Elder, South Dakota on Saturday, August 15 at The Box Elder Events Center (The Box). Let the countdown begin! As for who’s coming? Everyone! The guest list includes all current and future members of the always-amazing Strider Community, and we’re inviting you to help us celebrate new milestones, awesome kids, and unforgettable memories. This event is presented by WaTiki, the largest indoor waterpark in the Dakotas, so it will be a weekend full of fun adventures.

We’ll have a few different race events. 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds can be registered to race on their 12” Strider bikes. If your 3- or 4-year-old outgrew their 12-inch bike and now rides a 14x, they can also race in balance mode (no pedals). The 12- and 14-inch races will be sprint races held in heat and main races to see who crosses the finish line first!

Now, for the FIRST EVER Baby Cross! Yes, you read that correctly — it’s a brand new event that introduces babies aged 12- to 18-months-old to the race scene by encouraging them to stand, run, rock, and stride to the finish line. The only requirement for this race is that your baby must be walking. Children are encouraged to register now for the appropriate races based on their age/bike. Just a heads up: only Genuine Strider Balance Bikes are permitted to race.

From our friendly Strider Bikes staff members coordinating the day and setting up the races, to family and friends making the journey to join the fun, it’s all about coming together and having a great time! We can’t wait for you to join us for an epic day in the state where Strider built its roots.

Why Attend?

Some clubs have a secret handshake or password — but all you need to join our club is a Strider Bike and the spirit of adventure! Strider Cup events connect riders from around the world and offer members of our community a time and place to celebrate life on two wheels together. Most importantly though? These events are a whole lotta fun.

We should probably also mention that Strider Cup races are top-tier national events where young kids showcase their Strider Bike skills across the USA and worldwide. These exciting races give your kiddo the chance to experience the exhilarating thrill of competition no matter their skill level. They’ll get to connect with other Strider riders from all over, making new friends and sharing their favorite activity with other kids who share that same passion.

But wait — there's more! All racers will receive either a trophy or a medal depending on their finishing place, along with a custom souvenir number plate, and a bunch of rad items in their registration bag. Everyone deserves some swag to take home and celebrate their accomplishments and passion for riding Strider Bikes.

What Should We Bring?

As is the case in preparing for any big trip, something is bound to get left behind. Don’t worry, we have plenty of big-box and local stores in the area, but here are some items you’ll want to pack ahead of time for a fun-filled race day experience! 

• Protective Gear: Although this race is held indoors, we’d always recommend that you bring layers for your family. Between the air conditioning and the possibility of a cool afternoon thunderstorm, a t-shirt may not always cut it. If you’re exploring the Black Hills during the day, bring hats, sunglasses, bug spray, and sunblock. Make sure you also pack your racer’s helmet and closed toe shoes — these items are required to compete at the Strider Cup. Lastly, we recommend a pad set and racing gloves just in case it gets rowdy on the racetrack!
• Electronic Accessories: Don’t forget chargers, cords, and batteries for your phones and cameras so you can capture your kiddo’s “Look what I can do” race face, or that proud “I did it! I did it!” victory stride!
• Fuel & Hydration: Outside food and drink are not allowed at The Box — but have no fear! Your racer’s registration bag will have a few tasty and healthy snacks from our sponsors, the concession stand will be open, and we will have free bottled water for everyone.
• Cheerleading Supplies: You’re your child’s biggest fan — own it! Cram in cowbells, posters, pompoms, glow-in-the-dark items, and anything else you need to properly cheer on everyone all the way to the finish line! Out of space in your suitcase? Visit our on-site Strider Cheer Station. This special booth will be fully stocked with supplies, so you can create your own sign and grab flags and pompoms — it's all part of the excitement!
• Festive Attire: The Strider Cup is a great opportunity for your family to rock their best Strider apparel. We’ll be wearing our Strider shirts, and we would love for you to join us! Dress your kids in their race best (we’re not above some face glitter, homemade thematic jewelry, or other fun accessories)! We also have colorful Strider jerseys available for purchase so your kiddo can show up dressed for the occasion.

Where Are We Going?

Strider Cup events are held all over the world, but this year is close to our headquarters — and our hearts — in Box Elder, South Dakota! We can’t wait to host you in our hometown for an unforgettable event. In addition to joining our incredible biking bash, make time to check out some local spots that are sure to be a thrill for the whole family: 

Robbinsdale Bicycle Playground

Located just next door to Rapid City BMX, Robbinsdale Bicycle Playground will let your little thrill seeker take on a track that’s made for their size and skill level. This one-of-a-kind play area was made possible thanks to a donation from Strider Bikes and features a concrete pump track, a natural-surface trail with tunnels, bike ramps, ladders, and cones for some radical practice sessions.

World’s Largest Reptile Zoo

Visit one of the top 10 zoos in the United States and the world’s largest reptile zoo — Reptile Gardens. Home to gators, lizards, snakes, birds, and over 40,000 flowers in its botanical gardens, this popular attraction can be a place to relax, learn, or enjoy on the edge of your seat excitement.

Museum of Geology

Located on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology’s campus, this fascinating and free museum displays specimens from dinosaurs, mammals, marine reptile fish, and even rare fossils from the White River Badlands. Explore exhibits of fossils, meteorites, and minerals (the fluorescent mineral room is a must-see for the whole family) and make a stop at the gift shop on the way out to encourage your family’s little rockhounds. As an added bonus, this remarkable museum has the honor of being one of the top 10 museums and galleries in Rapid City!

Storybook Island

This free attraction is a great stop to make when you’re out and about in Rapid City. Stretch your legs, get some sun, and let the kids work out their wiggles to see some of their favorite storybook characters, zip down slides, and play on over 50 playsets. There’s also picnic tables and abundant shade nearby for a relaxing outdoor lunch.

Join Us!

All that said, the Strider Cup isn’t only about racing — it’s about reminding each child about the power of freedom, friendship, and fortitude that comes when you live life on two wheels. Although it’s undeniably fun for all ages, riding a bike is so much more than just “riding a bike”. Even if your little rock star isn’t first across the finish line or still wobbles when they ride, the lifelong impact of creating community, building confidence, and gaining a love for being outdoors and active is unmatched.  

We hope you will join us in honoring our Strider riders at the races. We’re eager to see you meet great people from all walks of life and discover all that our remarkable hometown has to offer.