Cross Country
Cross Country (XC)
CROSS COUNTRY is a sport where athletes run on a variety of terrain, such as grass, dirt, trails and hills. Depending on age, the distance run ranges from a 2k-5k. The breakdown of age and distance is below:
8 and U 2k (1.24 miles)
9/10 3k (1.86 miles)
11/12 3k (1.86 miles)
13/14 4k (2.49 miles)
15/16 4k (2.49 miles)
HS 5k (3.1 miles)
We participate in Middle School races, which are typically for grades 6,7,8.
We also participate in USATF Developmental meets, which are geared towards all ages, and are run in the age divisions listed above.
Cross Country is fun because it develops the athlete on both the individual and the team level. The first 5 runners on a team to finish “score” according to what place they cross the finish line. It is individual in that each athlete tries to improve his/her time at each race, to achieve their “personal best”.
Through drills, core work, endurance and speed workouts, athletes improve their form, stamina and time. Pace workouts help the athletes learn how to maintain a speed for the duration of the race. It is fun to see the athletes improve and gain confidence. Many life lessons and team work can be learned through participating in sports, especially running.
XC Season Information
We are excited for our 2024 JR XC Season! For questions reach out to Coach Camille Driscoll at cherokeejuniorrunners@gmail.com
2024 FALL XC SEASON DETAILS
July 25, 29-31 2024: End of Summer Training/Meet the Team 5-6:30pm at Boling Park
July 31, 2024: PARENT MEETING 6-6:30pm at Boling Park
Aug 1, 2024: First day of practice 5-6:30pm at Boling Park
October 24, 2024: Last Day of practice
Practice Information
When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday @ 5:00–6:30 pm
Where: Boling Park
What to bring: Water bottle, running shoes, and a positive attitude
- Appropriate running attire would include athletic shorts, a t-shirt or athletic shirt, and running shoes.
- 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.
What will I do in Cross Country?
Have fun and work hard! Athletes will train to run 2 miles in a race, younger runners will run 1-1.5 miles. Courses vary in terrain and consist of running on grass, hills, and through trails.
Meet/Race Information
Most of our XC races are for Middle School age athletes (grades 6-8) and are usually 2 miles in duration. Many of these are in conjunction with the High School XC Meets. These meets are typically for grades 6-8 but sometimes younger, experienced runners may be invited to participate as well. Additionally, we will compete in USATF Developmental XC competitions. These particular meets take place in two-year age divisions and are for all athletes ages 6-18. These age divisions provide young athletes the opportunity to compete with other athletes of similar ability and age. USATF meets are typically in the 2nd half of the season, mid to late September-October.
*The Age Division is determined by the athletes’ age as of 12/31/2024
The distance the athlete runs is determined by their age group: (for USATF Meets)
8 U 2k (1.24 miles) 13/14 4k (2.49 miles)
9/10 3k (1.86 miles) 15/16 4k (2.49 miles)
11/12 3k (1.86 miles) HS 5k (3.1 miles)
*Most meets will be held on Fridays or Saturdays. Transportation to the races will be the responsibility of the parents.
*Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before race time.
