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GrassRoots Athletics CROSS COUNTRY

The sport of cross country is an endurance event and is contested as a team and individual sport. Contestants run on trails, grass, dirt and road to for a variety of distances ranging from 2000 to 5000 meters which is dependent on age.  Cross country is scored by taking the first five places of the teams first five athletes and tallying up their places. The team with the lowest score wins; for example if team “A” finished 1st, 5th, 6th, 19th, 20th 51and team “B” finished 2nd, 9th, 10th, 15th, 22nd team “A” would win due to the lower score of A- 51 and B- 58.

Join the Team!

Be part our cross country team this season. Have fun training and preparing yourself to be in great athletic shape.  We will help develop your running form, build your endurance, speed and teach you how to race.  Cross country is for everyone especially for those who are keeping in shape for winter and spring sports.

  • Registration cost is $175.00 which includes first month dues and team shirt.
  • Monthly dues are $100.00 (additional family member $85.00).
  • USATF membership ($20.00) is required for all programs and AAU membership ($18.00) may be required if we participate in any AAU events.
  • Competition fees will vary from $3.50 to $25.00 an event depending on competition.
  • Uniforms are $145.00 (warm ups and racing singlet and bottoms).

2015 Cross Country Season

Cross Country training starts as early as mid July and will continue to November. Our philosophy is progressive development and transition. For younger kids we start with a loose training structure to introduce the sport. 1st – 5th grade we prescribe 2-3 days a week of training as a supplement to another sport. For 6th grade athletes we would like to build a solid foundation by training 3 times a week; 7th grade 3-4 times and 8th grade 4-5 times to  introduce/integrate high school training.

Competitions are typically weekly and start mid September. Everyone is encouraged to compete in 2-4 races for the season.  

Competition Levels

Age Division Year of Birth
8 & Under (previously Sub-bantam) 2007+*
9 – 10 (previously Bantam) 2005-2006
11 – 12 (previously Midget) 2003-2004
13 – 14 (previously Youth) 2001-2002
15 – 16 (previously Intermediate) 1999-2000
17 – 18 (previously Young) 1997-1998**

* Per USATF Rule 300.1 (c) “Athletes must be at least seven (7) years of age on December 31 of the current year to compete at the Youth Athletics or Junior Olympic National Championships.”

** Athletes who are still 18 through the final day of the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships are eligible to compete in the 17-18 age division through that meet. This extended eligibility does not apply to cross country events.

EXPERIENCED.  INTUITIVE.  PASSIONATE.  NURTURING.

GrassRoots Athletics fosters positive experiences and awareness to take your athleticism to the next level. Our Professional Coaches provide the tools and confidence to be successful on and off the field. We periodize age and skilled based training programs to properly develop the athlete in you!

My son loves running with Grassroots Athletics! The high quality of coaching along with a supportive team atmosphere makes this the perfect team for kids. The coaches are able to work with athletes of all levels from novice to experienced.  It is a good mix of competition with fun.

Julianne L.

The coaches at GrassRoots Athletics are excellent! They are welcoming, knowledgeable, flexible, and supportive. They are capable of working with youth of all ages and abilities. In just 6 months our son has improved greatly in his form, strength, and endurance. It is a wonderful team to be a part of!

Brian M.

The Grassroots Staff is the most patient and compassionate group of coaches I have ever experienced. They foster a supportive environment, where all members of the team encourage and motivate one another.  They have provided a truly rewarding experience for my daughter.

Laura M