While the kids enjoy the race, it can be a little hectic. Below are some tips to help your son/daughter and you have a successful experience.
Before Arrival
Check and dress for the weather. The race will be held rain, shine, or even snow. The only weather that stops us is lightning. There is no alternate date. You may want to have a pre-race snack or bring a snack with you, depending on when your family usually eats dinner.
Upon Arrival
Follow the sidewalk past the tennis courts toward the stadium. When you reach the stadium, turn right. The registration tents are located behind the track garage, across from the start and finish field.
- If you pre-registered online, go to the “already registered” sign. Each school will have a separate line to pick up race bib numbers.
- If you did not pre-register, go to the “need to register” sign. You will complete the registration with the help of a cross country runner.
There will be safety pins available to pin the bib number to the FRONT of your runner. If it is a cold-weather day, it is okay to pin the number to the front of his/her coat.
The first race will start on time even if participants are still showing up. If you are in that first race, make sure you have allowed time to park, walk to registration, complete registration, and walk to the start line.
Which Race?
Unfortunately, if you miss your race you are unable to join another. We want everyone to have a fair and fun experience. Please only participate in your race.
- 5:35 – ½ Mile – Grades Young 5/K through 2nd, Boys only
- 5:45 – ½ Mile – Grades Young 5/K through 2nd, Girls only
- 5:55 – 1 Mile – Grades 3rd through 5th, Boys only
- 6:10 – 1 Mile – Grades 3rd through 5th, Girls only
Waiting for the Race to Start
Now that you have your race number, you have time for a few pre-race activities.
- Use the restroom (located on the side and back of the tennis building).
- Tie your shoes.
- Check out the race day instructions and map of the course.
- Find the start line.
- Walk part of the race course.
- Find a friend (this part is very helpful for the end of the race).
Pro tip: With the number of people participating, spectators may have difficulty getting from the start line to the finish line. Since you just found a friend, have one parent at the start line with the kids and the other parent waiting at the finish line, especially for the younger ones.
It’s Race Time
Listen for announcements to make sure you are at the start line for your assigned race. Look for one of the cross country coaches with a megaphone out in front of the start line giving directions. If you are waiting for your next race, please stay back from the start line so the current race has space. A starting pistol is used to start the race, so give your young ones a heads-up so they are not startled. The race is not won at the starting line – it is okay to not be at the front of the line.
For the young ones, you are welcome to jog along with them. You will want to line up at the back of the crowd. The cross country team will be running along with the elementary students, leading the way, offering encouragement and high fives.
The Finish Line
All runners will be timed. As they cross the finish line, they enter a “chute.” At the end of the chute, volunteers will record the bib number each runner is wearing. We then match up the bib numbers to the times when we post the results online. The medals for the top 10 and ribbons for all participants are handed out in the chute.
Traveling Trophy
The school with the greatest percentage of students participating in the race will be awarded the traveling trophy. The winning school will be announced at the conclusion of all the races. We will also take a photo of the winning school.
Thank you for participating and for your support of the Clarkston Cross Country teams!