XC

Cross Country

The Oakland Cubs is a youth running team. We compete in USATF and AAU meets. Our team consist of recreational and competitive runners of various ages.

The youth runners learn running technique, teamwork, sportsmanship, resiliency, among other life skills, all while having fun. All practices and competitions are age appropriate and based on years running.

All youth are welcomed to join. No child wanting to participate will be turned away.

Ages

All ages and abilities are welcomed to join. For those under 8, we offer a shorter class introducing the athletes to the sport of running.

8U Session
Athletes NOT turning 9 in 2025
Regular Session
Mixed aged session for athletes 7and older

When

The XC season starts the week of August 25th. The regular season goes until November 2nd. The Championship Season runs through December 15th, culminating with the National Junior Olympics.

Where

Practices are held at Joaquin Miller Park unless specified in the schedule. 8U will practice at Lake Temescal on Tuesdays.

Meets occur throughout Northern California.

Junior Olympic Regionals occur at Woodward Park in Fresno and the 2025 National XC Junior Olympics TBA.

Practices

All athletes are required to attend at least two practices per week and the Cubs XC meet on September 22nd.

Regular Session practices are Wednesday and Fridays from 5:45-7:15p and Sundays from 10a-12p.

8U practices are Tuesday 4:45-5:30p at Lake Temescal in Oakland and Sundays from 9:15-10a.

8U

This session is an introductory team for athletes that will not turn 9 until 2025. It will introduce the sport of running through drills, games, and shorter runs.

Session 1: 8/26-9/28

Session 2: 9/29-11/02

Full Season: 8/26-11/02

Cost: $300 per season or $550 for the full season

NOTE: Full season pricing available until August 15.

Regular Session

Mixed age group for runners ages 7 and above. Athletes will learn to run through trails and how to navigate an XC course. Practices are gear towards endurance and running technique and form. Runners participating in the Championship Season have the opportunity to try to qualify for Regionals and Junior Olympics.

Regular Season: 8/25-11/02

Championship Season: 11/02-12/15

Full Season: 8/25-11/02

Cost: $650 for the Regular season or $875 for the full season.

NOTE: Full season pricing only available until August 15.

Meets

Meets occur on Sundays throughout the season. There is typically a walk through at 9a and the first race begins at 10a. Races go in order of age starting with 8U; girls race first followed by the boys.

Distances:

8U 2k
9-12 3k
13-14 4k
15-18 5k

Uniform Kit

All athletes are required to wear the Cubs uniform a warm-ups at all meets. You can purchase this during registration or at any time during the season. Full uniform kits cost $175 and includes:

Singlet
Shorts
Warm-up Pants & Jacket
Socks
Backpack

Extra Costs

All athletes are required to have a USATF membership. This can be purchased here on the USATF website.

In addition, any additional cost for travel, such as hotel and airfare, is the responsibility of each individual family. If a family is a need of financial assistance for travel needs, they should contact the coach.

scholarships

We are now taking scholarship request for the 2025 Cross Country Season. Click here to fill out the financial aid application. Scholarships will be awarded the 2nd week of August.

Deadline to fill out form is August 9th, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many practices must I attend?

All athletes must attend two practices per week. This allows for speed and endurance to develop.

Do I have to run in meets?

The only required meet is the one put on by the Cubs. However, attending meets allows coaches to see improvement and provides actual racing times to help develop practices for each athlete.

Is volunteering required?

All families must volunteer 10 hours per season or they can pay the opt-out fee of $100.

My child has never participated in running, can they join the team?

Most athletes do not have any formal running training before joining the team. Athletes will be placed in groups based on age and ability.

Who can run in meets?

All athletes can run in the meets. The meets are a fun way to bond with the team and cheer one another on, and there will be all different levels and abilities in every race.

What equipment is needed?

All athletes should have a good pair of running shoes. Running shoes should be new and use primarily for running, and not as every day shoes. In addition, many athletes will buy a pair of running flats to use during meets. We have a shoe store fundraiser at the beginning of the year to help families pick shoes and flats for their athlete. Also, athletes should have a refillable water bottle that they bring to practice every day.

Are there any mandatory meets?

The only mandatory meet is the Oakland Cubs meet that we put on ourselves. All families are expected to attend and help volunteer throughout the meet. This is our one mandatory meet and volunteer expectation of all families. All families must volunteer at this meet, even if they have opted out of every day volunteering.

What is the difference between cross country and track and field?

The sport of Cross Country is run through trails and include hills and other obstacles. In Cross Country each athlete runs one race. Track and field takes place in a track stadium and includes events such as sprinting, throwing jumping and distance. In track and field athletes often compete in more than one event and or race.

2025 Season

Cross Country is open to all levels and abilities. Athletes will run 2k-5k depending on age. Athletes will learn the aspects of running on trails and in XC meets.