Cross Country
Run Far. Grow Strong. Become a Warrior.
Cherokee Youth Cross Country helps young athletes build endurance, confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of running — on trails and hills across North Georgia.
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XC Information
Cross Country is for all abilities! Whether your athlete is a seasoned runner or just starting out, they will find a home with us. We focus on building endurance, confidence, and teamwork through fun, engaging practices and local meets.
What Is Cross Country?
Cross country is a distance-running sport that takes place on natural terrain. Unlike track races, courses may include grass, dirt, trails, hills, and other changing surfaces. Every course is different, which makes each race a new challenge. Athletes learn to manage their pace, adjust to the terrain, and finish strong.
More Than Running
Success isn't measured only by finishing place. We celebrate personal records, improved form, consistent effort, growing confidence, and athletes who give their best for the team.
Through Cross Country, Athletes Develop
Overall fitness and stamina built progressively.
Running technique that keeps athletes healthy.
Confidence to push through hard moments.
Personal responsibility and chasing PRs.
Sportsmanship and supporting teammates.
A love of running that can last a lifetime.
How Far We Run
8 & Under
~1.24 miles
9–10
~1.86 miles
11–12
~1.86 miles
13–14
~2.49 miles
15–16
~2.49 miles
High School
~3.1 miles
An athlete's official age division is determined by the rules for the current competition year. We also run middle-school meets (3K or 2 miles) where younger, experienced runners may participate.
A Place for Young Runners to Grow
We serve athletes from early elementary through high school. Coaches help each runner improve from their own starting point — whether the goal is a first race, a new PR, or competing at a higher level, every runner has something meaningful to work toward.
Individual Effort. Team Success.
Each runner works for their own personal best while contributing to the team through finishing position, encouragement, and commitment. Every spot matters — one pass near the finish can make a real difference for the whole team.
How We Train
Our training program is age-appropriate and scalable. We prioritize form, pacing, and long-term athletic development over pure speed. Athletes are grouped by ability so they're challenged at their own level.
Monday – Thursday
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Boling Park
Canton, GA
What Athletes Do at Practice
- Dynamic warmups & running drills
- Endurance runs
- Speed work
- Hill training
- Threshold training
- Core strength & conditioning
- Running-form instruction
- Race strategy and pacing
- Cooldowns and recovery work
Training volume and intensity vary based on age, experience, fitness, and the time of season. Our goal is to help athletes work hard while developing safely and progressively.
What Athletes Should Bring
- A filled water bottle
- Properly fitted running shoes
- Athletic shorts
- A T-shirt or athletic shirt
- Any required personal medication
- A positive attitude and willingness to work
All athletes must wear a shirt during practice. Please use the restroom before practice and keep toenails trimmed to help prevent discomfort while running.
Cross country takes place outdoors, but athlete safety is the priority. Practices may be canceled or adjusted for heavy rain, thunderstorms, extreme heat, or unsafe trail conditions. Families are notified through email and the Remind app — please keep your contact information current.
2026 Season Info
Practice Information
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Boling Park
Water bottle, running shoes, and a positive attitude.
Athletic shorts, a t-shirt or athletic shirt, and running shoes are appropriate running attire. All athletes must wear a shirt during practice.
Other suggestions: use the restroom before practice and always keep toenails clipped.
Rain: when it is raining we will not practice. We will inform you via email/Remind of canceled practices.
Cost
Registration fee for the 2026 XC season.
A jersey ($45) is required to compete and can be ordered during registration if you don't already have one. Shorts ($45) are optional.
Requirements
- Athletes must be 7 years or older.
- Athletes must have completed Kindergarten.
Post-season USATF Championship meet info will come through the coaches.
Practice schedules and locations may occasionally change due to weather, park availability, or competitions. Any changes or cancellations will be communicated through email and the Remind app.
Join the Cherokee Warriors
XC registration is currently closed. Track & Field registration opens in spring 2027 — check back then to join us.