Youth Running Club
Spring Track Season
Spring Track Season is a twelve week training program designed to introduce youth runners to the sport of Track and Field running, and provide competitive racing opportunities. ​The 2026 Track Season will kick off the week of March 2nd and run through May 21st.
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​We focus on kids in grades 3rd - 8th.
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Elementary School Aged Runners - Practice will be twice a week with additional race/event opportunities. Practices will be Monday nights at Pleasant Valley High School's track facility, 6:15-7:15 PM, and Thursday nights 5:30-6:30 PM at one of our various parks.
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​Middle School Aged Runners - Practices will be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tuesday practice will run 6 PM - 7:15 PM at Pleasant Valley High School's track facility. Thursday practice will run 5:30-6:45 PM. Saturday practice will run from 8 - 9:30 AM. Thursday and Saturday practice locations will vary to explore our various parks. ​
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We focus on middle-distance events—the 400, 800, and 1600 meters—without pushing for early specialization. Our goal is to build a strong aerobic foundation in young athletes so that by the time they reach high school, they’ll have the skills and versatility to excel in any event they choose.​
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Race Schedule - See Races for Additional Details
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Date TBA - Early Season Inter-Squat Team Relay Event
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​Friday April 10th - Chico State Twilight Invitational, Youth Mile
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​Saturday, April 25th - Growing Healthy Children, 1 Mile or 5K
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Date TBA - Chico Strider Fast Five Track Meet
Events: 1600, 400, 100, 800 4x400 and Field Events​​​
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Cost: $150.
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We never want finances to be a barrier for any child who loves to run. Chico Striders is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and sponsorships are available to help cover Spring registration costs, with additional support available for running shoes to families in need. Please contact us to learn more, Danny@chicostriders.com
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Summer Fun Conditioning
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Join the coaches for six weeks of summer fun runs kicking off July 22nd running to August 31st. We will explore new trails, run through creeks, and play plenty of games. Our goal is to build aerobic fitness through the hot summer months and provide a base for Cross Country Season. This season is aimed at our middle school athletes. Summer is a great time for your middle schooler to get their first introduction to the sport.
The Summer will conclude with the Beat The Coach Mile the first Saturday after school starts at Cedar Grove Picnic Area in Bidwell Park. This race is for kids and families of all ages. Check out our races tab.
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We know many families vacation during the summer so this season is designed for Striders to join any time they are in town.
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Practices will be Tuesdays 5:45-7 PM and Saturday Mornings 7:30 AM to 9 AM.
Fall Cross Country Season
Fall Cross Country season is a 10 week training program designed to introduce youth runners to the sport of Cross Country running, and provide competitive racing opportunities based on USATF age groups. Cross Country season will kick off September 15th.
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3rd - 5th Grade Practices
Practices will be every Monday and Thursday from 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM. Practice location will vary to explore our various parks. The season will kick off September 15th and run through November.
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6th - 8th Grade Practices
Practices will be every Tuesday and Saturday. Tuesdays will run from 5:45 - 7 PM. Saturday's will run from 7:30-9 AM. The program is designed to complement the existing middle school cross country season. The season will kick off Mid-September and run through November.
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Race Schedule
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October 4th - Butte College Youth Cross Country Meet
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October 12th - NorCal Striders XC, Cottonwood, CA
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October 18th - Chico High Autumn Invite, Hooker Oak
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November 2nd, Almond Bowl 5K, This is fundraiser for our High School XC Teams
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November 9th, Phoenix 5K
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November 23rd, USA Track & Field Pacific Association XC Championships, ​TBD
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November 30th - USA Track & Field Regional Cross Country Championships, Fresno, CA - Top 5 Teams and top 30 individuals from the Association meet the week prior advance to compete at this event. This event includes the top teams from USA Track and Field associations across all of California and Nevada.
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Chico Jr Cross Country
Coach Danny and Meghan Coach Chico Jr.'s Cross Country program. If your child will be attending Chico Jr. and they are interested in joining the team visit: https://www.chicostriders.com/general-5 ​​