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: **2023 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 on Tuesday/Thursdays around early/mid 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

September 17 - Hilltoppers - Birdsall Park Cedar Falls 

September 24 - Cedar Rapids Youth Track Club - Jones Park Cedar Rapids 

September 30 - Johnston Running Club - Johnston

October 8 - Valley Youth Running Club - West Des Moines

October 15 - Solar Powered Cross Country Club - Rockford Fossil Park

October 22- AAU District Meet - DMACC Ankeny

October 29 - USATF State Meet - West Des Moines

2022 JRC Cross Country Meet Course maps

2023 JRC Cross Country Registration Now Open - Register Now

JRC hosts a country meet each year (since 2012), featuring separate races for each age group.

• 2013 - Johnston Middle School
• 2014 - Johnston Middle School 
• 2015 - Johnston Middle School
• 2016 - Johnston Middle School
• 2017 - Johnston Middle School
• 2018 - Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
• 2019 - Walnut Ridge Recreation Area