Cross Country

REGISTRATION – Cross Country registration for the 2025 season opens May 28th for returning athletes and June 4th for new athletes.

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PRACTICES – Each week during August: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:15 to 6:45 PM, and Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30 AM (picnic runs). Each week during September-November, same weekdays and times, but Saturdays become morning XC meets (8:00-11:00). The official first day of practice will be Tuesday Aug 5th.

Mondays tend to be long-slow or recovery runs followed by strength and conditioning; Tuesday and Thursday practices are dedicated to more specific workouts. Pre-season Saturday practices include “picnic runs” that offer more adventurous courses followed by a brunch. Kids (and parents) love these weekends because we get to eat and socialize after practice. Once meets start in September, Saturdays become XC meet days for our conference.

MEETS – The meets are held on Saturday or Sunday mornings with the first race starting at 8:30 AM (athletes need to show up by 8:00 if they want to complete a course walk-through). Meets usually end before noon (often 11:00). The first meet is usually held in early September with the last meet usually in late October. There can be post-season JO (junior olympic) regional and national competitions for athletes. We compete by age-gender teams in our conference during the regular season and in the post-season as part of our conference team (Valley United Striders).

VOLUNTEERS – We rely on volunteers to help out at our practices and meets. All parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to walk/run/hike/bike and otherwise support the kids during practices. This is one special aspect of our youth program, kid and parent involvement. Please click Resources>Volunteer Information on the website menu for more information on volunteer roles.

TEAMS – Each athlete competes within their age and gender group. Each regular season meet involves all clubs in our conference. Age groups are the same for Cross Country as they were in the spring for Track & Field and are as follows for 2025: