2025 Registration is now closed. We have met the team capacity and the wait list is also full. We hope you'll consider joining in for next year's season.
Important Upcoming Dates
July 1 – Registration opens for RETURNING RUNNERS from 2024 CSTHEA ELEMENTARY CROSS COUNTRY TEAM and siblings of runners from this team. July 10 – Opens to NEW RUNNERS. Please do not register before July 10 if not a runner from last year’s team or sibling of a runner from last year’s team. Registrations will be cancelled if new runners register before July 10. July 13, 14, 17, 18: Suggested Summer Running Camp hosted by Front Runner. Register here: frontrunnerathletics.com/pages/summer-running-camp
Season Dates
August 19 @ 6pm: First Practice *Practices will be held at Hixson Presbyterian Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays Race Dates: Chattanooga Track Club Race Series:9/2, 9/9, 9/23, 9/30 *These 1 mile races are held in late afternoons at Camp Jordan. Races are separated by grade level and gender. Chattanooga Regional XC Race: 10/18 *This race is the team qualifier for the State meet. It is held at Woodland Park Baptist Church on Saturday morning. State Meet: 10/25 *If our team qualifies at the regional race, all members of the team are invited to participate in this fun and competitive Saturday race held in Knoxville. Homeschool Nationals (HXN): 11/1 *This is an optional post-season race that gives our runners an opportunity to compete with other homeschool students from around the country. It is held at the Hermitage in Nashville and there is an extra cost associated (about $25). NACA: 11/8 *This is another optional post-season race held at Fort Bluff in Dayton. Our middle and high school teams spend the night on the campus the prior night while elementary students are invited to join in the fun on Saturday morning. There is an extra cost associated with this one as well.
General Information
Elementary Patriots Running is a community of families who want to support healthy movement, social development and fun. Prepare to see your kids grow, gain confidence and gain new friendships. You may come to find that your child is a very fast runner, an average runner or that running just isn't their thing at this point. The best thing you can do is be their biggest fan and encourager no matter their skill level. Our priorities at the elementary level are fun, friendship and exposure to the running experience. Each athlete will encounter some challenges along the way and experience the joy of overcoming difficulty within a supportive environment.
Season Schedule
Practices will begin in mid-August and will be held twice a week in Hixson, location and days TBD.
Meets will be held locally on weekdays (Tuesday) throughout September. Additionally, in October we will participate in a regional qualifying race (at Woodland Park Baptist Church) with the potential to compete at the state meet held in Knoxville. Some runners may also choose to participate in the Homeschool National Race (HXN) in Nashville the first Saturday of November (additional cost.)
Gear Required
Shoes: Well-fitting, running shoes in good condition are required. We strongly advise you visit Fast Break for a fitting and to purchase appropriate shoes. Shoes which are worn out, too small or not designed for running are not permitted and can lead to injury.
Athletic clothing: It may go without saying but athletic shirts, shorts and socks are expected.
Cost
Participant cost is $75 per runner which includes uniform and race registrations. In addition, all athletes must have an up-to-date association membership: Join CSTHEA. One membership covers the entire family and all CSTHEA activities.
Coaches
Andy Gean will lead our parent coaching team. Want to help? Reach out to Andy to see how you can help!