Elementary cross country runners race through a park as adults watch and clap.

“It makes me feel tired and it makes me feel exhausted. But at the end of the day, it’s fun.”

Elementary school cross country practices started last week with 3,400 students running around their schools as they prepare for meets and time trials in hopes of qualifying for Oct. 22’s All-City Meet at Franklin Park, organized by our cross country partner Active4Youth.

Participating in an after-school sport like cross country allows students to learn important lessons about perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and goal setting while enjoying physical activity with their friends.

K-5 students can still register for cross country (although students may not be eligible to participate in their first Zone meet).