James Clemens opens Elementary XC Festival for youngsters

MADISON – Students in elementary school who enjoy the sport of running can enter an upcoming, new event at James Clemens High School.

Students in kindergarten through sixth grade can enter the premiere Elementary XC Festival 1 miler/2 miler. James Clemens XC (cross country) Team is excited to host the first elementary 1 miler/2 miler race on Oct. 12.

The XC 1 miler/2 miler will immediately follow the Huntsville Metro XC races at Palmer Park, which is the home course of the James Clemens Flying Jets.

Two elementary races will be open for any student in Alabama who is in kindergarten through sixth grade. The 1-mile race for students in grades K-4 will begin at 5:30 p.m. The 2-mile race for fifth- and sixth-graders will start at 5:45 p.m.

The top three male/female runners in each grade level (grades K-6) will receive medals. The awards presentation will immediately follow the finish of the races. Xpress Timing will coordinate the official timing for the races.

All runners should register in advance using the Google form on Facebook. Visit Facebook/James Clemens x country; then, click the link for “Elementary XC Festival.” Complete the boxes with the student’s information.

The race fee is $10. Runners will need to pay by cash or check when they pick up bib numbers on the day of the race. Runners can pick up bib numbers from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.

Runners can register on race day. However, to confirm that all runners are in the timing system, race officials highly suggest that everyone preregister.

Parents and guardians are responsible for transportation of students to and from the race, unless the school/feeder school has completed other arrangements. Parents/guardians are required to stay at the park during the race and are responsible for their child while at the park.

The race and awards presentation will conclude around 6:30 p.m. Parents can not run with their child. This race is on a certified course.

Coach Drew Bell at James Clemens has worked as a head cross-country and track coach for 33 years. He teaches at Rise Academy, the student support academy for Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools. His coaching career highlights include 12 state championship teams, 18 state runner-up teams, 25 state record-holders and numerous other awards and recognitions.

For more information, visit Facebook/James Clemens x country.