Upstate Running Club Youth Team - Fall XC Program

Upstate Running Club Youth Cross Country Team – Fall 2026

Program Overview

• Ages: Athletes ages 7–14.
• Program Type: Developmental and competitive, meeting twice weekly.
• Cost: FREE for area youth athletes committed to personal growth.
• Support: More than 100 youth athletes supported through seasonal training.

Mission

• Goal: Equip young athletes with tools for success at the next competition level.
• Focus: Foster confidence, resilience, and sportsmanship.
• Health: Promote lifelong healthy habits.

Coaching & Program Staff

• Victoria Hammersmith
• Matthew Hammersmith
• Bruce Jennings

Together, our coaching staff brings more than 30 years of combined experience working with athletes of all ages and ability levels.

Team Eligibility Standards

To ensure athletes are prepared for the demands of training and competition, participants must meet the following minimum fitness standards:

• Boys 9 & Under: 1 Mile: Under 8:00
• Girls 9 & Under: 1 Mile: Under 8:20
• Boys 11 & Under: 1 Mile: Under 7:30
• Girls 11 & Under: 1 Mile: Under 7:30
• Boys & Girls 13 & Under: 1 Mile: Under 7:15

Athletes who are unable to meet the minimum team standards are not eligible to participate in team practices or competitions.

Team Schedule

• Season Dates: August 16 – November 28, 2026
• Practice Location: Lakewood Nature Preserve: 220 Lakewood Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
• Practice Time:
  • Sundays at 3:00 PM
  • Wednesdays location TBD practice at 6 PM

Additional weekly practice information and the complete competition schedule will be distributed on the first day of the season.

Team Gear & Race Package

(Must select at least one during registration)

• Warm Up / Practice Gear: $50
  • Practice Singlet
  • Practice Short
  • Long Sleeve
• Competitive Package: $100
  • Practice Gear from above plus:
  • New Style Long Sleeve
  • New Style Competitive Racing Singlet
• Elite Package: $225
  • Post Season Brooks South XC and AAU Competitions race entry
  • Competitive package
  • Hoodie
  • Warm Up Jogger

Program Includes

• Team training and coaching
• Team gear package
• Local race opportunities in middle school meets TBD
• Footlocker Championships (Saturday after Thanksgiving at McAlpine Park)
• AAU Region Championship Entry (AAU Membership Required) TBD
• USATF Region Championship

Contact Information

• Coach: Victoria Hammersmith
• Email: VictoriaVVoronko@gmail.com

Race URL

For more information, visit the race page: Upstate Running Club Youth Team.