Indian Relay Championship of Champions To Make Cheyenne Debut

This weekend, representatives from seven tribal communities spanning the United States and Canada will convene in Cheyenne, Wyoming for the 10th Annual Indian Relay Championship of Champions. The event, set to take place from September 25th to the 27th, will see teams compete across various divisions, including men’s, women’s, junior, youth, and kids categories. The championship race will culminate on Championship Sunday, when the 2026 champions will be crowned.

This year marks a significant milestone for the Championship of Champions, as it is being held for the first time in Cheyenne. This marks the tenth annual celebration of the event, with the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council expressing excitement about Cheyenne providing a spectacular platform to honor the participating teams, horses, families, and traditions that define Indian Relay.

The gates open at noon each day, providing ample time for fans to explore food and merchandise stalls and engage in Championship-related activities before the racing commences. Throughout the weekend, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Indian Relay champions, who will be available for autograph sessions. These sessions will feature champions from over 23 races organized by the HNIRC Tour of Champions across the U.S. and Canada, including notable events such as the Calgary Stampede, Cheyenne Frontier Days, and the Pendleton Roundup.

The festivities kick off with opening ceremonies at 2:00 p.m., which will include color guard performances, traditional dancing, and drumming before the Indian Relay races commence on the track. Championship Sunday will feature the Men’s and Women’s Championship Calcuttas, followed by the final Championship races, solidifying the identity of the 2026 champions.