Youth Cross Country
From early September through early November, the Johnston Running Club operates a youth cross country club for the aspiring and developing distance runner, ages 7 through 14.
Practices
The cross country club practices: **2024 locations subject to change.**
- Sundays: 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. Terra Park
- Tuesdays: 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. Beaver Creek Elementary
- Thursdays: 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. Metro Ice Sledding Hill
**Practice times will shift earlier (5:30-6:45) on Tuesday/Thursdays in early October due to diminishing daylight.
Athletes run approximately two to four miles each practice in shorter intervals, depending on age and stage of the season.
Meets
The cross country club competes in local and regional meets on weekends. Athletes run varying distances depending on their age (age is determined as of age on 12/31 of current year):
- 8 & Under: 2000 meters (2k)
- 9 - 12: 3000 meters (3k)
- 13 - 14: 4000 meters (4k)
- 15 - 18: 5000 meters (5k)
For comparison, high school cross country runners compete meet distances of 5000 meters (5k).
The season builds toward the USATF State Meet in early November, at which athletes can quality for nationals. If athletes choose to participate at nationals, practice schedule will be discussed with those families.
Quick Info
Cost: $100 (includes all meet fees and JRC shirt)
2024 Meet Schedule
September 22 - Hilltoppers - Birdsall Park Cedar Falls
September 29 - Valley Youth Running Club - West Des Moines
October 5 - Johnston Running Club - Johnston
October 13 - MVP Track Club - Saydel HS
October 20 - AAU District Meet - DMACC Ankeny
October 26 - Waukee Track Club - RecPlex, WDM
November 10 - USATF State Meet - West Des Moines
JRC Cross Country Meet Course maps
2019 Cross Country Club
2023 JRC Cross Country Registration Now Open - Register Now
JRC Home Meet Results
JRC hosts a country meet each year (since 2012), featuring separate races for each age group.
Johnston Running Club Sponsors
Interested in becoming a sponsor of Johnston Running Club?
Review our Sponsorship levels and contact us at johnstonrunning@gmail.com
