XC • Cross Country

Welcome to RHS Cross Country!

Cross Country is a no-cut fall sport where every level of runner, from novice to experienced is welcome and encouraged to join our team. Our team practices, Monday-Friday, 4:15-6:15pm, meeting at the Roosevelt Track.  Cross Country is a racing team, not a running club.  Our season typically consists of 4-5 league meets, 2-3 Invitationals, the Metro League Championship meet, Districts, and State.  Last season, the Roosevelt girls Varsity team took their competitive spirit all the way to the State meet in Pasco, WA, placing 8th overall - the third year in a row competing at the state meet!

How do I sign up?

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! In order to attend practices (first day is  August 24th), you must have all your “Final Forms” paperwork completed and a valid physical on file. Access paperwork here: https://roosevelths.seattleschools.org/student-life/athletics/athletic-registration/ 

Staying up to date

For the most up-to-date information on our team, please sign up to receive our weekly newsletter HERE and check us out on Instagram @rhs.xc and @rooseveltwomensxc

Practices

Our first official day of practice is on Monday, August 24th. The team practices Monday-Friday from
4:15-6:15 pm with optional Saturday practice from 8:30-10:30am. Most weeks we meet at Lower Woodland Park, but sometimes we meet at Magnuson Park.
In order to compete in a meet, athletes must complete at least 7 regular season practices.
Coaches expect athletes to attend at least 5 practices a week. Consistency is key. If you are sick or have an important appointment, please let coaches know in advance by email.

Important dates

9/9 - Wednesday: last day to attend a first practice 

9/12 - Saturday: Invitational, Sehome in Bellingham, WA 

9/15 - Tuesday: RD Heidi Strickler presentation 

9/17 - Thursday: first league meet of the season at Magnuson 

10/5-10/10 - Monday-Saturday: BYE week (no competitions)

10/1-10/29 - Thursdays in October: fundraising days with Magnuson Cafe & Brewery 

10/15 - Thursday: Roosevelt hosts league meet at Lower Woodland Park 

10/20 - Tuesday: Senior Night @ Roosevelt in the Commons 

10/22 - Thursday: Metro Championships @ Lower Woodland Park 

10/29 - Thursday: District Championships @ Lower Woodland Park 

11/7 - Saturday: State Championships in Pasco, WA 

11/10 - Tuesday: Season Banquet @ Roosevelt in the Commons

2026 XC Meet Schedule

See full Cross Country schedule here https://bit.ly/2026-xc-schedule 

Shared Google calendar link: RHS Cross Country Google Calendar Link

Wait, there's more!

Snacks:
If you've volunteered to bring snacks for pre- and post-race or you'd like to, check out our sign-up  spreadsheet: ......Stay tuned for a new link 

Where to find our team tent at Lower Woodland:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/11TTGHjwgm2mXh9ZiTWUGMQ1_RV0fmKfk/view 

Course map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o59al2NIBPCRRZzzHIiQ39HUov1_W8Z0/view

Game day attendance forms:
Athletes must have their Game Day forms signed by their teacher in every class they attend as well as every teacher on Fridays if they are racing a Saturday invitational. Athletes can find copies of the Game Day attendance form outside the attendance office and outside the main office. If you'd like to print your own:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/10AGn3rslkbN5jscXOLnNgNBWPfSq7vWq/view?usp=sharing

Uniforms and Gear

Uniforms  

RHS will provide a school racing singlet and warm-ups.  Athletes/families will provide (black) shorts, training shoes, and socks. You are expected to return your uniform at the end of the season.

Socks  

We strongly recommend technical socks - running in cotton socks is a near guarantee for blisters.

Training Shoes

Your legs and feet are your most important asset in cross country.  It’s imperative that you buy well fitting trainers.  Like old tires on your car, running shoes break down over time and should be replaced every 5-7 months or around 300-500 miles.  A shoe that is right for your foot type is important to prevent injury.  Common injuries from worn down shoes include shin splints, knee pain/patellofemoral syndrome, arch and heel pain, and IT Band Syndrome. You may need more support because your foot collapses, or you may need more cushioning.  A good pair of trainers is your first step in helping prevent injury. 

If you are still wearing your trainers from last track season, you should prioritize buying a new pair of shoes in August or September. Specialty stores like Super Jock ’n Jill and Road Runner Sports can help find the best shoe for you. Super Jock 'n Jill offers Roosevelt athletes a 10% discount on shoes all year.

Racing Shoes

Lower Woodland’s course is a mix of grass, gravel, and pavement and has some rolling hills.  In the past, many of our athletes have worn spikes as these shoes can help grip the grass, especially when it is wet and muddy later in the season.  If it is looking to be a wet fall, you may want to consider buying racing spikes.

Racing flats are also an acceptable form of racing shoes and are a shoe that does not have spikes but is lighter weight for racing. These shoes are typically well suited for dry weather, when there is a lot of gravel or cement on a course, such as at Magnuson Park.

Racing shoes are not required and athletes are more than welcome to wear their trainers that they have on every day as their racing shoes as well!

Running Watch

If you don’t have a watch already, make sure to get one ASAP.  We know running watches can be expensive, but any $10-20 digital running watch that has a timer also works great!  Having a watch is imperative for being able to run effectively during easy runs and speed workouts.  If you plan to continue your running into the foreseeable future and would like to invest in a GPS watch, we’d suggest a Garmin.  The Garmin Forerunner runs about $199 at Best Buy and has plenty of features to help you track your runs and progress. 

Roosevelt Sports Duffle

If you are interested, you can purchase a Roosevelt Sports Duffle bag from the Green and Gold Exchange (store), link HERE.   [NOTE: store is only open during the school year]