Young runners are about to return to local school yards and parks this Fall to begin preparing for another season of cross-country competition. The Race Cats Cross Country program is expecting to have between 350-400 Davis County children sign up this season, which officially kicks off practices on September 14th.

“I think there is so much good to be learned in a participatory sport like running,” Race Cats President and Davis County Area Director Jami Caldwell said. “Anyone can participate, regardless of ability.”

The Davis Race Cats program is divided into seven teams throughout the county, including five elementary teams, a junior high team, and a competition team that has a longer season designed for more experienced runners. While kids may join Race Cats with running in mind, the program intends to help them achieve much more than earning ribbons.  

“Running is hard. I think learning to do hard things is so important for youth. For all of us, really,” Caldwell said. “They get the individual aspect of competing against themselves and trying to best their personal times, but the kids also get to learn how to be on a team, to be a good teammate, and to cheer for each other. I think that the most important thing we can teach kids is a love of moving their bodies and of being active and outside. To me that is far more important than performance or ability.  I hope to help them build life-long habits.”

Kaysville resident Joseph Sybrowsky, who has had three children running on the Davis Race Cats team for the past year and a half, has seen amazing results from having his kids enrolled in the program.

“All ages and genders can participate, and it’s extremely family oriented,” Sybrowsky said. “Our children can practice and compete together. They supported each other in unique ways, especially after a race, because they all took the same journey of persistence.”

On top of that, Sybrowsky has already been able to see the long-term impacts that Caldwell said Race Cats was ultimately trying to achieve.

“I think running, whether it is track or cross country, pulls out of each individual grit they didn’t know they had as determination is rewarded with results,” Sybrowsky added. “I think it’s important for young kids to see what they put in they will get out.” 

The teams hold practices twice a week for seven weeks and are led by volunteer coaches to help prepare them for three total meets - two at Nicholls Park in Fruit Heights in October, as well as the Race Cats Championship, which is held in Salt Lake City and features all the Race Cats teams in the state.

Elementary and junior high youth ranging from kindergarten to 8th grade can sign-up now through September 25th by going to the Race Cats official website (www.racecats.org).