DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE HOMESCHOOLED?
No. This year Trailblazers is opening up to everyone that does not have another place to run and wants to be in a Christ-centered environment focused on families and friendship.
WHAT AGES ARE INCLUDED?
Ages 9-18.
IS PREVIOUS CROSS COUNTRY EXPERIENCE NECESSARY?
No, but giving your best effort is.
CAN I VOLUNTEER TO HELP COACH?
Yes! Please email here if you are interested in helping coach! You do not need to be able to run with the kids and we will have a short coach training before season starts for volunteers!
WILL THE NONCOMPETITIVE CLUB OPTION BE OFFERED THIS YEAR?
Yes, pending coach volunteers, noncompetitive (club) runners will only practice once a week. If we get more volunteers to help with club, we may be able to do twice a week again this year. Also, club runners will have the opportunity to try out a meet when we have our home meet if they so choose.
WHEN DOES THE SEASON BEGIN AND END?
Preseason is for competitive (team) runners only and goes from 06/15/2026-08/07/2026.
Regular season starts 08/10/2026 and goes through mid- to late-October (for noncompetitive runners) and late October or early November (for competitive runners). Post season opportunities may be available for additional running competitions.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Practices are typically one and a half hours long and will be held on Mondays only for noncompetitive (club) runners.
Team runners will practice Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:30pm-7pm.
9-12 year old runners will be expected to run three times a week (one of the days may be run at home).
13-14 year old runners will be expected to run four times a week (one of the days may be run at home).
15-18 year old runners will be expected to run 6 times a week (3 of the days may be run at home).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
**Fees could be less pending fundraising!
Cost is $110 for competitive athletes. This fee includes insurance, admin fees, a club shirt, and a uniform (if you are a returning team runner and do not need a uniform or can trade yours in, fees will be less).
Noncompetitive runners will have a $55 fee. This fee includes insurance, admin fees, and a club shirt.
WHAT RUNNING GEAR IS NEEDED?
All runners should have a good pair of RUNNING shoes and a water bottle. If your child has never been fitted for running shoes, it is helpful to go to a store like the Athletic Annex and have his or her running style analyzed to choose the best shoe for his or her gait. They will also give a discount if you tell them you are a part of the Trailblazers Cross Country team. Optional racing spikes may be purchased for meets.
IS THERE A CHRISTIAN COMPONENT TO BECOMING A TRAILBLAZER?
Our mission is to promote Christian character through competitive sports. Competitive running requires training and discipline; pushing players to test their physical, mental, and emotional limits. We view the running trail as a unique venue for uncovering our responses to such tests and then shaping them in ways that honor God, edify our teammates, and reflect good stewardship of the time and talents given to each of us.
The Trailblazers coaches and board members are Christians. There is a time of devotion and prayer at the beginning of Monday practices, but it is not necessary that a child or family that participates in the Trailblazers program be Christian. We expect runner and parent conduct that is in keeping with moral values, such as honesty, integrity, self-control, and respect. It is necessary for participants to be in alignment with these values.