INFORMATIONAL MEETING
We will have a short informational meeting for both new and returning runners on June 3rd at 6PM at Brandywine Park under the pavilion. We will also have a uniform sale that same night, so bring last year's uniform if it's too small now!
REGISTRATION:
May 18, 2026 - July 31, 2026
DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE HOMESCHOOLED?
No. Trailblazers is open to children ages 9-18 who want to run in a Christ-centered environment focused on families and friendship.
WHAT AGES ARE INCLUDED?
Ages 9-18. We are open to having younger runners if someone is willing to coach! We currently do not have coaches for kids younger than 9.
Race distance is determined by birth/age on 12/31/2026.
3k (1.86 miles): 9-12 year olds (born 2014-2017)
4k (2.49 miles): 13-14 year olds (born 2012-2013)
5k (3.1 miles): 15-18 year olds (born 2008-2011)
IS PREVIOUS CROSS COUNTRY EXPERIENCE NECESSARY?
No, but giving your best effort is.
CAN I VOLUNTEER TO HELP COACH?
Yes! Please email here if you are interested in helping coach. We will have a short training before season starts for volunteers. We have several coaches that run/ bike with the kids, but you do not have to be able to do that. We use running loops and need lots of eyes, so there is a place for anyone who wants to help!
WILL THE NONCOMPETITIVE CLUB OPTION BE OFFERED THIS YEAR?
Yes, pending coach volunteers. However, noncompetitive (club) runners will only practice once a week on Monday evenings this year. They will still have the opportunity to try out a race when we have our home meet if they so choose.
WHEN DOES THE SEASON BEGIN AND END?
Preseason is for competitive (team) runners only and will be two-three mornings a week from 06/15/2026-07/31/2026.
Regular season is three evenings a week starting 08/10/2026 and goes through mid- to late-October (for noncompetitive runners) and late October or early November (for competitive runners). Post season opportunities may be available for additional running competitions.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Practices are typically one and a half hours long and will be held on Mondays only for noncompetitive (club) runners.
Team runners will practice Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:30pm-7pm.
9-12 year old runners will be encouraged to run three times a week.
13-14 year old runners will be encouraged to run four times a week (one run from home).
15-18 year old runners will be encouraged to run five to six times a week (two to three runs from home).
We try to meet often to make sure kids get the training they need to improve and remain injury-free. However, if your child wants to run but has a scheduling conflict on one of the days each week, we can still try to make it work.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Cost is $110 for competitive athletes. This fee includes insurance, admin fees, a club shirt, and a uniform (if you are a returning team runner and do not need a uniform or can trade yours in, fees will be less).
Noncompetitive runners will have a $55 fee. This fee includes insurance, admin fees, and a club shirt.
WHAT RUNNING GEAR IS NEEDED?
All runners should have a good pair of RUNNING shoes and a water bottle. If your child has never been fitted for running shoes, it is helpful to go to a store like the Athletic Annex and have his or her running style analyzed to choose the best shoe for his or her gait. They will also give a discount if you tell them you are a part of the Trailblazers Cross Country team. Optional racing spikes may be purchased for meets.
IS THERE A CHRISTIAN COMPONENT TO BECOMING A TRAILBLAZER?
Our mission is to promote Christian character through competitive sports. Competitive running requires training and discipline; pushing players to test their physical, mental, and emotional limits. We view the running trail as a unique venue for uncovering our responses to such tests and then shaping them in ways that honor God, edify our teammates, and reflect good stewardship of the time and talents given to each of us.
The Trailblazers coaches and board members are Christians. There is a time of devotion and prayer at the beginning of Monday practices, but it is not necessary that a child or family that participates in the Trailblazers program be Christian. We expect runner and parent conduct that is in keeping with moral values, such as honesty, integrity, self-control, and respect. It is necessary for participants to be in alignment with these values.