Start the new year off by signing up your child for one of the youth running programs that begin in January and continue through May. Registration begins on Tuesday, Dec. 6 through the Piedmont Recreation Department.
For elementary school students (4th and 5th grades)
For the first time in its 10-year history, the “Piedmont Junior Running Club” program will offer a winter session. After a very successful fall session with over 40 students participating, the Junior program will resume in mid-January. It will be offered at each of the elementary schools starting Wednesday, Jan. 18 and continue until Mar. 8.
The spring session of this program will start Monday, Mar. 27. On Mondays, the program will run from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Each session will include not only running, but active games, agility drills, relay races, and other activities. All practices will be supervised and directed by experienced adult coaches.
Middle school programs
PRD is also offering the “PMS Coed Track Conditioning” program starting in January for 6th through 8th graders. This program is a good way to get into shape for a spring sport and it will include not just endurance training, but form drills, stretching, core, and strength building. It meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. It starts Jan. 9 and runs until Mar. 16. (Note: for this program session only, 5th graders who want to challenge themselves are allowed to participate in it on Mondays and Thursdays in lieu of the Junior Program. See the PRD activity guide for more information.)
Once the conditioning session ends, one of the longest running sports programs at Piedmont Middle School, “Coed Track & Field”, will begin on Mar. 27. This program includes running events from the 100-meter sprint to the 1600-meter run, and field events that involve jumping and throwing the shot put. Practices are from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. There will be competitions with other schools and will conclude with a championship meet. The program ends May 26.
For more information about these programs, please go to the PRD on-line activity guide HERE.
Registration starting Dec. 6 can be done using your Community Pass account. Questions about these programs and any other PRD programs call 510-420-3070.
Also, anyone who would like to help coach either program or volunteer on a periodic basis, please contact the Piedmont Recreation Department’s Sports Coordinator, prdsports@piedmont.ca.gov