Registration for the 2026 season will open for returning runners, families, and wait list members on May 4, 2026. If you fall into one of these categories, please keep an eye on your email.
On June 1, 2026, if space remains, registration will open to all additional new runners. A link will be posted here.
2026 practices will begin in mid-August, exact date TBD. Please see the FAQ below for further information. Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to email cheetahrunningclub@gmail.com
Team Participation Expectation:
All runners joining our team are expected to compete in a minimum of two races during the season. This includes mandatory participation in the Junior Olympic New England XC meet, which serves as a key competitive benchmark for our athletes. These expectations reflect our commitment to team development, individual growth, and representing our program at a high level. We look forward to seeing every athlete rise to the challenge and compete with pride.
Exception: Athletes who are actively competing in races through a school-sponsored program may be exempt from the two-race minimum requirement. These athletes are still strongly encouraged to participate in the Junior Olympic New England meet whenever possible, as it remains a cornerstone event for our team.
Please take this policy into consideration when deciding to register in 2026.
Q: When and Where are practices held?
A: Practices are held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays at the South Mill Pond Playground complex in Portsmouth, NH. All ages will start at 5:15 and practices run for 1 hour. On Sundays at 11am, we practice at the PHS track or trails.
Q: My child can't make all those practices! Should I still sign them up?
A: We offer 4 practices a week to provide flexibility. Kids are welcome to attend as many or as few practices as they like.
Q: When does the season start?
A: The pre-season practices start in mid-late August. These are introductory practices to ramp back up for those who have not been running all summer. It is a good time for new runners to come and learn our routine.
Q: Do the Cheetahs have a winter or spring track program?
A: We do not offer dedicated winter or spring track. Any Cheetah who wishes to run USATF track events may do so under our club, but we don't have any practices, so all runners train on their own (or with school programs). Runners who participate with us in fall will be kept in the loop for subsequent indoor and outdoor track events.
Run to Fall XC Invitational (2026 details pending)
3k for all ages
Coe-Brown Northwood Academy Northwood, NH
Wayland XC Festival - Sunday, Oct 11
3k for all ages
Wayland High School, 264 Old Connecticut Path, Wayland, MA
coed 10 and under, 9am start, girls 11-14, 9:30am start, boys 11-
14, 10am start (age on day of race)
Boston Mayor's Cup - Sunday, Oct 25
Franklin Park, Boston, MA
ages 6-10, 11-12, and 13-14 boys and girls races
(age on day of race)
USATF - New England Junior Olympic XC - Sunday, Nov 15
2k for ages 8 and under, 3k for ages 9-12, 4k for ages 13-14
location pending, has been Attleboro, MA in recent history
(age as of 12/31/2026)
the top 30 individual finishers, and top 5 teams per race will advance to the Region 1 championships
USATF - Region 1 Junior Olympic XC - Sunday, Nov 22 (qualification required)
same race format/distances as above (age as of 12/31/2026)
North Berwick, ME
the top 30 individual finishers, and top 5 teams per race will advance to nationals
USATF - National Junior Olympic XC Championships - Saturday, Dec 12 (qualification required)
same race format distances as above (age as of 12/31/2026)
Lafayette, LA
We are a youth cross country running team for NH residents ages 6-14 in the seacoast NH area. We will compete in the USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics as well as tuneup meets. It is a challenging and competitive team. Practices are held in Portsmouth, NH.
Empowering young minds through the joy of running, our youth cross country team in the
seacoast area of New Hampshire is dedicated to fostering a culture of athleticism, resilience,
and teamwork among residents aged 6-14. Committed to excellence, we strive to provide a
challenging and competitive environment where our young athletes can develop both physically
and mentally.
Our mission extends beyond the local terrain as we aim to compete in prestigious events such
as the USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics and various tune-up meets, showcasing the talent
and determination of our team. Rooted in the vibrant community of Portsmouth, NH, our
practices serve as the foundation for cultivating a passion for running, instilling values of
discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
At the heart of our organization is a belief in the potential of every young runner. We aspire to
nurture a lifelong love for running, instill a sense of accomplishment, and empower our youth to
embrace challenges with confidence. Together, we run towards a future where our athletes not
only excel on the cross country course but also carry the lessons learned into every facet of
their lives.
The Cheetah Running Club was founded in 2017 as a way for youth runners to collaborate as a team to train and compete. We accept runners of all abilities and have seen great improvements over the years. Our number of runners qualifying for USATF-JO Regional and National Championships has grown each year. Each year since 2018, we have sent runners to USATF-JO nationals across the country!