Sept 15 - Nov 15, 2022
Welcome to the CYONY Club Track Program
The Registration Form is Open
Eligibility:
Attendance, membership or enrollment in a church/school is NOT a requirement to join. We welcome the FIRST 25 registrants in grades 3-8. While we’ve grown considerably over the last 6 years, our focus remains the same. As such, there are still NO TRYOUTS. Yes, we are an experienced group of youth runners (many have run with the club since its inception). There is no screaming, anger or unreasonable demands (but Coach, that 2 mile hill, seriously). We believe in the kid from day 1.
We promote a SAFE running environment built on enthusiasm, self-belief, hard work, goal setting, determination, good sportsmanship, community awareness and friendship. There’s always a focus on mechanics, efficiency, nutrition, endurance/strength, speed and trail stewardship.
Fall Meets:
TBD...we’re getting closer to finalizing plans. Per the NYC parks departments Van Cortlandt Park cannot not be used for meets (no permits issued). The same holds true for most parks/courses in Westchester. That may change but as of today, we’ll be competing at alternative locations. Nothing is guaranteed and the registration fee reflects such.
Practices:
Practices will be held on Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 6:00-7:00pm (6-6:30 for the one-mile run). Every two weeks we’ll start 15 minutes earlier as we adjust to reduced daylight. We’ll have a number of adult volunteer running coaches at every practice. The first 10 minutes of practice will consist of stretching/drills/warmup. They’ll be 2 available runs at every practice (3-4 miles/1 mile). Cool down/stretching at the end of every run. “Pop-up” trail runs will be announced throughout the season (in addition to regular practices). Families are encouraged to join the pop-up runs.
Is experience needed?
For the long runs, yes. However, we include a “guided one-mile” run at every practice for young/new/endurance building runners.
Following these guidelines will ensure a safe, fun, and competitive cross country season. Let’s keep normal going.
Safe Locations:
We spent the summer measuring the width of local trails. We measured 12 local trails and found that only 3 LOCAL locations were adequate (Twin Lakes, Webster Avenue and the Bronx River Trail). The trail that runs along the Hutchinson River Parkway (by Iona Prep) will NOT be used this fall/winter. It’s a single track path/trail with > 6 feet width. Sidewalk/street group running is also off the table for fall/winter as there’s NO WAY to appropriately social distance while pack running on a street, and sidewalks are too narrow. We’ll use the following locations with APPROPRIATE trail widths:
- Old Croton Aqueduct/Lyndhurst Mansion (Irvington)
- Bronx River Parkway trail (Hartsdale)
- Webster Avenue Trail (New Rochelle between Webster/Twin lakes)
- Twin Lakes (Eastchester)
- Rockwood Hall (Sleepy Hollow)
- Rockefeller State Park Preserve (Pleasantville)
- Kensico Dam (Valhalla)
Volunteers:
The CYONY Track Club is entirely volunteer based! Service hours are available for high school runners. The only requirement? The ability to run 4 miles without stopping. Email coach Stefan for details.
We’re excited to begin the cross-country season! The goal this season? Keep the kids active, safe, and having fun! We’ll all have to be flexible to make this work. We know the kids (and families) are facing a mountain of uncertainty this coming fall. There’s one thing that’s certain…we’ll be running.
CRANK UP YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC, LACE UP THE SNEAKERS, BELIEVE IN YOU and LET’S GO!!! Trails are calling…fall is here.
ALL IN FOR THE KIDS,
AHNQ,
Coach Stefan
Opened: 08/28/2022
In Grades: 3 to 8 for 2022-23 School year
