Coming Summer of 2025!

Ocean Water  Cross Country  Team!

Welcome to the inaugural season of Ocean Water Cross Country! Ocean Water Track Club has been helping young athletes develop a passion for Track for over 3 years. Now, we are excited to offer developing distance runners an option for a Cross Country program. 

The program will aim to help pre-high school runners to

• Develop a love for distance running 
• Learn how to slowly and safely build their mileage before high school 
• Incorporate workouts into their training that will help them succeed at racing the cross country distance
• Learn proper running form and techniques 
• Become educated on racing strategies 
• Be exposed to the beginnings of strength training specific to running and injury prevention

For additional information, please see the frequently asked questions section below.

When: August 5 - through mid to end of October. The exact end date will depend on if we qualify for States as a team which is November 1st.

Practice Days: Tuesday, Thursday at Greenleaf Park in Nocatee 

*on non-race weeks we will have an additional practice on Saturday at a different location for those who are interested in doing a longer run (locations will vary and we will explore local running spots! Parents are welcome to join these weekend runs!)

Time: 5:30PM- 7PM for Tuesdays and Thursdays 

*Saturday practice time 8:00AM

Age: This program is for 4th graders through 8th graders 

Cost: $300 (includes 3 months of practices, race entries, an Ocean Water race singlet, and an Ocean Water t-shirt) 

Experience Level: ALL runners of all different levels are welcome but we will be running! Practices will total distances of 1.5-5 miles depending on your age and ability. Once you sign up, you will receive an email from your coaches with the pre-season training, which starts in July. These runs help ensure the runners are ready to start doing race specific workouts as a team in August. July training is crucial for their success! You will receive training specifically for your child’s age and ability level. 

If you have any questions please contact us at [email protected].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

What will I need for practice and races?

• You will need to purchase running shoes to train in throughout the season. We suggest getting fitted for a pair of running shoes at 1st Place Sports or any other running specialty store that can PROPERLY fit you for a good pair of running shoes. You will also need to bring a water or sports drink to each practice. Lastly, if you would like to, you can purchase a pair of cross country spikes to be used during races (also can be purchased at 1st Place Sports Baymeadows location). 

What distance is cross country?

• Most of the cross country races will be 3k (or just shy of 2 miles). Some of the races include a 2k race for elementary aged kids.

How is cross country different from track?

• Cross country is run in parks or on fields. The distance is typically longer than track. In high school, most cross country races are 5k or 3.1 miles. Unlike track, there aren’t multiple distances for the race. Cross country races are larger as well- you may have over 100 kids on a starting line for the same race. 

What happens at a cross country meet?

• Races are typically in the morning on Saturdays except for a couple which are on a weeknight evening. Usually they have 2 races: boys race and girls race but sometimes they will have more races depending on your age and gender. Most races you can expect to get there about an hour before their event to warm up and all of the races are usually done within an hour. 

Are the races mandatory? 

• No, they aren’t! We encourage your child to make it to as many races as possible so that they can get that experience. Racing can be intimidating for some kids though so if your child is hesitant, we can figure out a plan to help! 

How far will my child run at practice?

• Distances will be customized based on age, ability and goals. On average, your child can expect to run between 1.5 and 5 miles.

 What do you do at practice besides running?

• A typical practice will include the following:

·  Warmup, active stretches, and drills to improve running form and efficiency

·  A running workout or distance run

·  Runner specific strength training exercises (no weights) and core

·  Stretching

Does my child need to attend all 3 practices each week?

• We’d love for your child to be at all 3 practices but we understand that kids have other activities going on as well. If they aren’t able to come to a practice, we’d recommend that they go for a short run at home.

 My child has never done any formal running before, is this program a good fit for them?

• Runners of all levels and abilities are welcome! We will however be running and preparing for a 3K race so we will be running anywhere from 1.5-5 miles a practice depending on your age and ability level.

Will practices happen in the rain? 

• Yes. We will have practice in the rain. Practice will be cancelled if there is lightning in the area.