When: Each Saturday @ 8.45am. Usually the last race is finished by 10.30am.
Where: Cross country venues change each week. We rotate the following four local venues
- Morrison Reserve, Mt Evelyn
- Lillydale Lake, Lilydale
- Margaret Lewis, Coldstream
- Elizabeth Bridge Reserve, Kilsyth
How far do they run? Junior ages have a defined distance for their official race. Athletes and parents can run in more than 1 race if they choose. The race distances are:
- U6, 500m
- U7-U8, 1000m
- U9-U10, 1500m
- U11-U12, 2000m
- U13 to Open 3000m
How does it work? We meet at the race venue, gather for any updates and announcements, take all athletes for a warm-up. Races are completed in order of the distances from the 500m first. If young athletes need an older athlete to run with and support them, that is Ok. Parents are encouraged to participate!!
Courses are marked with flags and marshals are positioned in areas that need direction. We have “Hares and Tortoises” to lead and follow each race.
Races are recorded and times kept for measuring Personal Best by venue. As each is different, times between venues are not easily compared.
Running is using parklands and can include running across grassed areas or gravel pathways. The only equipment needed is weather suitable clothing. Comfortable shoes and running attire. YRA club gear is suitable but not compulsory.
All registered Little Athletics athletes are already eligible to run Cross Country. Parents and family members of registered athletes are welcome to participate.
Anyone else who would like to run with us is also welcome. After a trial, they are asked to either formally register or join as a “Club 43” social member. The main difference is that registering with Little Athletics makes the athlete eligible for Region and State Competitions.
Parents will be required to assist from time to time with either timing, marshalling or recording. The workload is light when shared around.
What does it cost? What do you get?
2 WEEKS FREE TRIAL!!
New athletes can come and try cross country for free for their first two weeks.
Athletes already registered with Little Athletics have no extra registration fees.
Athletes registering for only Cross Country can formally register with Little Athletics for $80, this covers the season of racing, access to entry at Region and State Championships, plus injury insurance.
Athletes only wanting to run in our local Yarra Ranges Athletics races, can join Club 43, $25 or $50 for a family.
Weekly $1 kids, $2 adults ‘gold coin’, to help contribute to the PB choccy frogs and trophy Presentation Day.
Courses are marked and marshalled. Results are recorded weekly. Coaching available.
More information required: Email to info@yarrarangeathletics.org.au or ask on the YRA Facebook Group (lots of experienced families can help with queries).
What about club team adult races:
Come and race for Yarra Ranges Athletics team
Athletes aged from 12yrs+ can also compete in the statewide Athletics Victoria competition. 10 rounds in different locations. Junior U14 to U20 have age based distances. Open Age races also have Masters categories in 40+.
Relays, road races, Cross Country. Open distances from 6km to 21km. Junior distances from 3km to 6km.
Every runner scores points to contribute to the club score!! This is running as a team sport.
More details via av@yarrarangesathletics.org.au or the Athletics Victoria site www.athsvic.org.au
Yarra Ranges Athletics 