ACRR Youth Cross Country Race Series

RACE REGISTRATION: CLOSES Wed. Dec. 10 (no Race Day Registration)

RACE DAY SCHEDULE (DEC. 13): 

Time        Ages        Gender  Distance

830 am      5-7            B/G        ½ mile

850 am     8-10           B/G        1 mile

920 am    11-14          B/G       1.5 mile

DISTANCES:

The cross country course will start and finish on the large multi-purpose field and loop around the softball fields and pickleball courts.

• Ages 5-7 races will be 1/2 mile
• Ages 8-10 races will be 1 mile
• Ages 11-13 (middle school) races will be 1.5 miles

RACE DAY INSTRUCTIONS:

• Each participant should bring a water bottle and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate running clothes and shoes.
• Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your child’s scheduled race time to allow time for parking and warming up.
• Ensure your child is at the starting line 15 minutes before their race begins to get race number bib.
• Parents are asked not to run on the course with their children.
• The fastest boy and girl in each age division (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13/14) will be awarded a trophy immediately after the race, once results are confirmed.
• All participants will receive a free cross country t-shirt and ribbon for taking part in the race.
• After your child completes their race, you are encouraged to take a photo of them in front of the photo booth banner.

WEATHER POLICY:

The races will proceed rain or shine. The only circumstances that would lead to cancellation are lightning in the area, a torrential downpour, or the cross country course being deemed unsafe.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

• Volunteers should arrive by 7:30 AM on each race day.
• If you wish to sit between races, please bring your own chair and water.
• High school teens and adult volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

          1. Race results at the finish line

          2. Distributing free race shirts, trophies, and ribbons at the finish line area

          3. Managing the finish line photo booth

          4. Guiding runners along the course

          5. Acting as race pacers—either running or biking—to lead the youth runners around the course

          6. Encouraging and motivating runners at the starting line for each race

SEEKING DONATIONS:

Donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated. Your contributions help support our Track & Field and Cross Country programs for local elementary and middle school-age children in 2026 and beyond.

RACE RESULTS:

Please visit the J7 Sports website at https://j7sports.net/acrr-youth-xc for Cross Country Race results. 

RACE PHOTOS:

We will share Dec. 13 race photo links as soon as it's created after the race.

ABOUT HOST:

Ancient City Road Runners (ACRR) is a non-profit organization in South St. Johns County that is run entirely by volunteers. Our core values are:

1. To provide group runs for our members
2. Support our competitive and non-competitive members with their personal goals
3. Offer mentorship and support to local youth runners via group runs, clinics, and camps
4. Support local school cross country and track & field programs, and other youth running programs.    

Beginning in 2026, the ACRR Youth Program will offer annual K-8 Cross Country and K-8 Track & Field seasons, running clinics, and summer running camps.