In case there is any doubt, Balboa Park was named after the explorer, Vasco Núñez de Balboa to celebrate the first European to see the Pacific. The Park got its name through a contest, conducted by the city of San Diego to rename City Park as it was known at the time. The park was established in 1868. Early on, horticulturist Kate O. Sessions was given 30 acres for a private nursery. In return she planted 100 trees a year in the park and 300 trees and other plants throughout San Diego. Sessions became known as the "mother of Balboa Park" because of her many plantings and exotic plant introductions to the area (From www.balboapark.org). Today the park is a cultural complex filled with numerous attractions and activities including museums, exhibits, gardens and many activities. As the park proudly proclaims, "There's Something For Everyone at San Diego's Balboa Park!

Foollocker Finals held at Morley Field fits in very well in the park. This year is the return of Foot Locker to San Diego and Balboa Park. Back in 1979 the Kinney Cross Country Championship was first run. Named after the sponsor Kinney shoes, it was held in Balboa Park San Diego for two years, 1979 and 1980. In 1981 it moved to Orlando Florida where it stayed for two years, then moved back to Balboa Park for another 14 years, moving back to Orlando from 1997 through 2001 and finally moving back to San Diego again in 2002. Along the way, the name was changed from Kinney to Foot Locker.