Cross Country
The OYAA cross country program offers an organized youth cross country team in the summer that is for athletes in the Olentangy community who are entering grades 3 - 6 for the 2026-27 school year. This gives boys and girls the opportunity to have fun while also developing their skills in the sport of cross country.
*Students entering 7th grade should be training with their middle school teams in the summer and are too old to compete in OYAA cross country races.
The OYAA cross country program has ONE big team with 2 - 3 different practice days/locations. Runners may attend all practice options, one, or even none if they don't fit into their schedule. Athletes/parents will receive a daily training plan for optional workouts at home, if desired (max 4 - 5 days a week). The program is meant to fit your family’s schedule and the focus is on fitness and fun!
The races will take place at Shanahan Middle School.
OYAA’s Cross-country program will include:
- Instruction and Team Practices for ALL Participants - sponsored by the varsity cross-country programs.
- Cross-Country Meets – all races will begin at 6:30 pm (girls race first, then boys). All races will be held at Shanahan Middle School.
- All athletes will receive a running singlet, a t-shirt, and finisher awards at the final XC Meet.
- All athletes will receive discounts at Fleet Feet Sports for shoes and running apparel.
COST - $95.00 per runner
Practices will include instruction on warming up, running, and skill-based activities. Team building and the joy of running will be a primary focus!
Practices will begin early June and end on Monday July 8 with the final 2 mile race.
2026 Practice and Race Schedule:
| MONDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS |
|---|---|---|
| 6:15 - 7:30 pm | 6:15 - 7:30 pm | 7:00 - 8:15 pm |
| Orange MS track | Orange MS track | Shanahan MS track |
| No practice June 1 | June 3 | June 4 |
| June 8 | June 10 | June 11 |
| June 15 | June 17 | June 18 |
| June 22 | 1st race at Shanahan MS June 24 | June 25 |
| 2nd race at Shanahan MS June 19 | July 1 | July 2 |
RACES at 6:30 pm @ Shanahan MS
WEDNESDAY 6/24 - 1 mile
MONDAY 6/29- 1 mile
WEDNESDAY 7/8 - 2 miles
Practices are delayed in the event of lightning in the area and canceled if it appears storms will not move out of the area.
Sizing Info:
Click here to see a size chart for training tanks. Sizes are collected in the registration questionnaire.
Volunteers:
Parent volunteers are needed to lead and assist with all areas of the program. If you are interested in helping, indicate so in your child's registration.
HS Coach Contact information (click to email):
- Orange High School: Adam Walters
- Olentangy High School: Dwight Dewese and Ken Whalen
“If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it.” ~ Priscilla Welch, Olympian and New York City Marathon Champion
Looking ahead
2027 Race Dates: June 23, June 28, July 7