Registration for the Spring Track season is now closed.
Youth Programs
Bullseye Striders Youth Running Program
For many years, the Howard County Striders have been committed to supporting and developing young runners in the local community. One of the most visible ways the club does this is through its youth running program, which since 2010 has been hosted in partnership with Bullseye Running.
Over the years, the program has introduced thousands of children to the sport of running—helping them build confidence, develop healthy habits, and experience the excitement of racing and teamwork. Some participants join simply to stay active and have fun, while others use the program as a stepping stone toward competing at the high school level and beyond.
The program offers Fall Cross Country and Spring Track & Field for youth athletes, along with Summer Striders, a separate high school and collegiate distance training program (rising 9th grade and above only) that supports continued development during the summer months.
The Cross Country season typically runs from late August through the end of October. Practices are usually held twice per week on Mondays and Wednesdays at Centennial High School and are open to children ages 5–18.
Cross country focuses entirely on running, with race distances increasing by age group:
- Under 6: 1 km
- Ages 7–8: 2 km
- Ages 9–10: 3 km
- Ages 11–12: 3 km
- Ages 13–14: 4 km
These distances allow younger runners to build endurance while helping older athletes progress toward the 5K distance typically raced in high school cross country.
The Spring Track season generally runs from mid-March through the end of May and is open to children ages 7–18. Because of the program’s size, practices are divided between two locations: Oakland Mills High School and Howard High School.
Spring Track introduces athletes to a wide variety of track and field events. Running events include the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m (for athletes age 11 and older) along with several relay events. Field events include long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, and javelin.
Practices and Training
Practices for both programs are typically held from 5:45 PM to 6:50 PM.
At the first practice of each season, athletes participate in a time trial that helps coaches place runners into appropriate training groups:
- Cross Country: 1500 meters
- Spring Track: 100 meters and 400 meters
These results help ensure that athletes train with others at a similar level so everyone can get the most out of each practice. Runners of all abilities and experience levels are welcome—from beginners who are trying the sport for the first time to experienced athletes. The only requirement is that participants want to run and are excited to be part of the program.
Meets and Competition
Competitions are typically held on most Sundays throughout the season, often in Frederick County, along with occasional home meets at Centennial or Reservoir High School.
Participation in meets is optional, though runners are encouraged to compete whenever possible, as races are an important part of the learning experience.
Athletes compete in the following age divisions:
- 7–8
- 9–10
- 11–12
- 13–14
- 15–18
Cross country also includes an Under 6 division.
Post-Season Opportunities
Both seasons also offer a post-season training group for athletes who want to continue competing beyond the regular season. This portion of the program often culminates with trips to national championship meets organized by Amateur Athletic Union or USA Track & Field.
High School and Homeschool Athletes
Although the program is open to runners through age 18, high school athletes are encouraged to compete for their school cross country and track teams when possible. The program is also a great opportunity for homeschooled athletes who may not have access to school-based teams.
Summer Striders/XC Prep Program
Summer Striders is a high school and collegiate distance training program designed exclusively for runners entering 9th grade and above.
The program runs from early June through early August, aligning with the key summer training period leading into the fall cross country season. Athletes meet three times per week for structured workouts focused on building a strong aerobic base. Training includes a mix of distance runs, tempo efforts, long runs, and aerobic workouts, with athletes placed into ability-based groups to ensure appropriate training for their fitness level.
Because this program is designed for more experienced runners, all participants must be able to run at least 3 miles continuously without walking prior to joining.
Summer Striders provides a valuable opportunity for high school and college athletes to train consistently, stay motivated, and prepare for a successful fall cross country season.
Registration for Summer Striders typically opens in May.
- Registration
- Registration for each season opens several weeks before practices begin:
- Cross Country: typically opens in early August
- Spring Track: typically opens in mid-February
- Summer Striders: typically opens in May
- Registration for each season opens several weeks before practices begin:
- The cost of the programs is $195 per season.
This Level 2 program is for the more serious and competitive runners, 7 to 18 years old. Through a series of progressional events consisting of Local, Association and Regional meets, athletes will have the opportunity to advance to a Junior Olympic National Meet.
Depending on the location of the meets, we will either participate in the AAU or USATF Junior Olympics. It is possible that traveling out of state will be required and parents need to accompany their child and pay all travel expenses.
All hard-working, committed young runners are welcome. Be aware that these events are very competitive.
Please email Coach Lang for application, registration & more info.
Not sure what program is right for you? Have some questions?
Contact the Youth Programs and Junior Strider/ Special Programs: youth@striders.net and specialprograms@striders.net