Who:
The Distance Demons are:
* Kids in grades 3-8 who enjoy distance running in the Northeast Wisconsin area. We love getting in good shape, hearing the starter's gun go off, feeling the adrenaline rush during races, testing our speed and endurance, and just doing our best. Of course, greatest feeling is crossing the finish line after a good run! Sometimes we win awards, but we're winners even when we don't! We like the friendship, fitness, and learning that we get from being Distance Demons! Our running club is a certified member of the Wisconsin chapter of USA Track & Field.
* Coach Jay Harris, who runs road races and is Level 1 certified by USA Track & Field. That means he had special training and passed a test. He reads lots of articles and books on youth running. Harris coached middle school cross country coach for five years and is the founder and organizer of the annual Fox Trot 5K for kids.
*Parent volunteers and high school running "mentors" who ensure lots of attention to each and every runner.
*The winners of many road race youth division awards and state Junior Olympics cross country medals, including championships! Demons have performed well at regional and national meets. We are not only about competition, but if you are the type of runner who wants to push the envelope, we can help get you there!
What:
The Distance Demons usually get together a couple of times each week for a workout. We learn about good running form, nutrition, race strategy, and lots more. The most fun thing about being a Distance Demon is being a team at races, wearing race jerseys with the Distance Demon logo. We warm up and stretch together and encourage one another as we run. We get lots of cheers and nice comments from spectators and adult runners, even if we are passing them! Distance Demons get information about dozens of running opportunities, many of which remain unknown to most young runners and their families. Our training schedule and race information is on a secret page, available to members.
Why:
Each year there are more books and articles
about youth running, more opportunities for
kids to run, and more kids involved in in track,
cross-country, and road races.
There aren't many websites devoted to young runners. We wanted to contribute something else, simple and fun. We also wanted to contribute to youth fitness and self-esteem.
Be the best runner you can be! Rrrrrun!!
What (we do)
