Love to run? Can't get enough of it? In case you didn't know it already, there are national organizations with competitions for runners your age, both cross-country and track. Hyperlinks to each are provided below. All of these organizations feature state races that lead to nationals.
If you have been finishing among the top runners in your age group at community road races or school meets, you may do well at state and maybe even advance onward and upward. Also below is info about the "Presidential Sports" and "Family Fitness" Awards for running. The first two organizations listed below offer similar competitions at about the same time each year, so you may have to decide which seems like the best opportunity for you. The competition from state to national levels goes from outstanding to breathtaking (in more ways than one). If you're looking to challenge yourself, to see what you've got, to run against the best in the nation, here ya go!
The sponsor of the famous Junior Olympics, which
hosts state, regional, and national meets in cross-
country and track.
Another organization with a proud history. The top state finishers go straight to national--no regional race is run to narrow the field.
For kids ages 9-14. Local/county races are run in June, followed by state meets. Early August brings the national in Hershey, PA. Races from 50 to 1,500 meters, depending upon age.
One of the activities you can choose is running! Go after these awards and, once you earn the patches, sew them to your book bag or a jacket with pride!
