Cross Country

We strive to create an inclusive, team-focused environment. Our club's location, Fort
Steilacoom Park, allows us to train on various terrains to provide the most complete
cross-country running experience.
The King Cobras had a record of 7 individual qualifiers for the USATF nationals meet in
2022 and saw its first team qualify for the USATF regionals meet in the 9-10 boys’
division.

What to Expect

Ages 17-18 -- Course Distance 5000m
Ages 16-15 -- Course Distance 5000m
Ages 13-14 -- Course Distance 4000m
Ages 11-12 -- Course Distance 3000m
Ages 9-10 -- Course Distance 3000m
Ages 7-8 -- Course Distance 2000m
*Athletes’ age is defined by their age on December 31 of the calendar year. For example, if your
child is turning 7 this calendar year, they would compete under the 7-8 age group. The 2025
season begins on August 25 and concludes in December (depending on qualifying) with the
Junior Olympic National Championships.

Practices are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at Steilacoom Park.

Costs involve registration and a uniform. Most meet fees are covered in registration.

Athletes 9 and under must have an adult present for every practice—no drop-offs. It's okay to

coordinate with other families; just let the coaches know.

Parents or guardians may be asked to run with their athletes if the child struggles to finish

workouts. We run on trails where there is only sometimes a line of sight to our groups, and we
need to stick together. This is a safety issue.

Ability groups are based on speed/endurance, so the athletes work together to challenge each

other.

If an athlete is injured, please inform coaches to adjust workouts as needed.
Athletes will be assessed during Week 1, on their 1-mile run to proper placement into ability

groups.

Very Important: ALL athletes must be registered to participate in any practices. This is an

insurance issue.
Practice Locations
Steilacoom Park (8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA): Meet on Soccer fields near Playground/
Kid Zone
Dates & Times
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays (1 ½ HR practice between 6:00p - 7:30p)
Non-Meet Saturdays (09:30 – 10:45 am)
Athletes new to the Sport:
Need to have comfortable Running shoes
Comfortable athletic clothing and dressed for the weather (cross country is a rain-or-
shine sport). Athletes should have a rain jacket, hat, gloves, and long johns as the
weather gets colder
Adequate water supply for all practices and meets. It is recommended to have a water
bottle of at least 500ml or more.