Cranford Youth Track & Field / Cross Country

CRANFORD YOUTH TRACK & FIELD / CROSS COUNTRY

Cranford Youth Cross Country (Fall Program)

Welcome to Cranford Youth Cross Country! Our Fall program is open to athletes ages 6–14 (as of December 31, 2025). Practices are held Tuesdays and Fridays at Orange Avenue Field, with meets on Sundays at Central Park of Morris County. We compete in the Lakeland League, offering fun, healthy competition with local towns.

  • ✅ Season runs Late August through Late November
  • ✅ Practices: Tuesdays & Fridays, 5:30–6:45PM
  • ✅ Local meets on Sundays at Central Park of Morris County
  • ✅ Friendly competition in the Lakeland League
Register Now via Community Pass – Fall 2025

Youth Cross Country Program Overview

Our Youth Cross Country Program is designed to introduce young runners to the exciting world of long-distance running in a fun, supportive, and safe environment. Whether your child is a beginner or has some running experience, our program fosters a love of fitness, teamwork, and personal growth through cross country running.

What We’re About

  • Building Endurance & Fitness: Age-appropriate training that develops cardiovascular endurance without overwhelming young athletes.
  • Skill Development: Experienced coaches teach proper running form, pacing strategies, and race prep.
  • Team Spirit & Sportsmanship: Emphasis on camaraderie, respect, and positive encouragement.
  • Healthy Competition: Meets in the Lakeland League let athletes experience racing and goal-setting.
  • Fun & Friendship: A welcoming, social environment where kids make friends and build lifelong healthy habits.

Who Can Join?

Our program welcomes youth runners of all abilities and backgrounds, typically ranging from elementary through middle school. No prior running experience necessary—just a willingness to have fun and try your best!

When & Where?

Practices are held weekly at Orange Avenue Field, with meets on Sundays at Central Park of Morris County.

How Far Do Kids Run??

We are not a mileage based program, our goal is to get kids active, enjoy the sport and learn how to properly move and gain strength, speed, endurance and confidence. We encourage kids to compete in at least 3 of the weekend meets, these are great events, opportunities to improve and challenge yourself while also competing as a team. As much as XC is an individual based sport, there is a team component.

  • Practices: Depending on age and ability we can run anywhere from 1 to 4 miles, the longer distance is not typically run all at once, we incorporate intervals, games and other techniques.
  • Races: Depending on your age group, will determine the distance run on Sundays.
  • 6-8 year olds start the season running 1600m (1 mile) and finish at 2000m (1.25 miles)
  • 9-10 year olds start the season running 2000m (1.25 mile) and finish at 3000m (1.86 miles)
  • 11-12 year olds run 3000m (1.86 miles)
  • 13-14 year olds start the season running 3000m (1.86 mile) and finish at 4000m (2.49 miles)
  • Our Mission

    Fun - A fun, engaging experience for Cranford youth in grades K–8.
    Fun

    A fun, engaging experience for Cranford youth in grades K–8.

    Focus - Helping athletes develop fitness and running skills.
    Focus

    Helping athletes develop fitness and running skills.

    Friendships - A team sport where kids make friends and grow together.
    Friendships

    A team sport where kids make friends and grow together.

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