What is the Fun Runners program?  The HATF Fun Runners program is for children in Grades K-2.  It is an introductory program to organized running designed to familiarize the runner with a track and field program, teach some basics about conditioning and running form, and expose the child to track and field competition.

When does practice start?  Practices for Fun Runners typically begin the first week in April.  Fun Runners only practice once/week on Thursdays, from 6-7:15 pm.  An online calendar details the practice and meet schedule.

Where are practices held?  All practices will be held at St. Mark’s High School.  In the event that the track is occupied (which sometimes happens without notice), we will practice on the grass fields up the hill from the track.

What time should my child arrive for practice?  Athletes should arrive at the track no later than ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of practice. The warm ups and stretches that we do at the beginning of practice are essential to a safe and productive workout. Waiting for late arrivals is unfair to the group, and will deprive the late-arriving athlete out of a proper warm-up which may result in injury. 

Per CYM regulations, coaches are required to stay onsite until all children are picked up, so please be courteous to your coaching staff and pick up athletes promptly at the end of practice!!!

All parents are welcome and encouraged to stay for practice and observe, or utilize the track for their own workout.  If you plan to walk or jog on the track during practice, please stay in the outside lane.

Does HATF practice in bad weather?  We generally practice in the cold (>45°F), but usually not in steady rain and definitely not if there is any lightning in the area.  If the weather is looking bad, an email notification will go out at least 2 hours prior to the start of practice informing everyone if practice has been delayed or cancelled.  Early in the season, if the temperature/wind chill is bitterly cold (<45°F), we may decide to cancel practice for Fun Runners.

What should my child wear/bring to practice?  Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.  Particularly in the early part of the season, make sure your child brings sweat pants/ sweat shirt or fleece, hats and gloves if necessary.  Layers are always recommended.  Your child should also bring water for themselves.  HATF does not allow the use of personal electronics during practices or meets, unless it is necessary to place or receive a call to/from a parent.

What type of shoes should my child wear to practices/meets?  Each athlete will require a pair of proper running shoes. Basketball shoes, “cross trainers” or other specialty shoes are not appropriate for the types of stresses that the athlete’s feet will be under during training, and are discouraged. 

Are practices mandatory?  The Fun Runner program is very relaxed, it is not necessary to attend every practice or meet.  However, HATF is an instructional program; we train the children in proper stretching/warm up techniques, running form, race strategies and field event instruction.  Your child will greatly benefit from regular attendance at practices. 

·        Behavioral Standards:  Please note that in order to make our Fun Runners program enjoyable for every child, all HATF Fun Runners are expected to exhibit behavior appropriate for the practice/meet environment.  This includes showing respect for the coaches and fellow athletes, paying attention, following instructions and trying their best.  A child who struggles to meet these simple standards may be asked to leave practice.

Where are meets held?  Meets are held on the weekends at various facilities, mostly in northern New Castle County.  These include St. Mark’s High School, Baynard Stadium, A.I. DuPont High School, Charter School of Wilmington, and Concord High School.  One meet each year is held at Delaware State University in Dover.  Please see the online HATF calendar for all scheduled meets.

How many events will my child participate in during a meet?  Fun Runners participate in one event per meet, usually a 100 m dash.  All Fun Runner participants receive an award, either a medal or a ribbon.

How long do the meets last?  A typical track meet lasts 4-5 hours.

Wow, 4-5 hours!! Does my child need to be at the meet for the entire time?  Before each meet, the coach will distribute the schedule for that particular meet.  Track Meet events do not run on a set time schedule, rather, the meet starts at a particular time and the events run sequentially.  Fun Runners only need to attend as long as necessary to participate in their event.  Usually, we will estimate the starting time for the Fun Runners event and ask all Fun Runners to arrive at least 30 minutes before their race.  We generally error on the side of caution, to make sure that no athlete misses the race!

How do I let you know if my child must miss practice or a meet?  The Fun Runner program is very informal, it is not a big deal to miss practice or meets.  Notifying the coach is not necessary.

Does HATF need any volunteer help?  YES!!!  We are always looking for parents/older siblings/HATF alums that are willing to help coach.  If you have any questions, or are interested in helping, please contact HATF Coaching Coordinator. You do not need to have any prior experience or knowledge of track and field to help out!