Open youth meet to preview the 2026 New England Junior Olympic courses
USATF New England Preview Races for Junior Olympic Cross Country Sunday, October 18, 2026 HOPKINTON FAIRGROUNDS, HOPKINTON NH A chance to run on this year's New England Junior Olympic Cross Country Course as the meet returns to New Hampshire at a new location. No awards, no team scoring. The course has a 1km and 2km loop with race distances a combination of those loops. Age Group races will be held at 2km, 3km, 4km, and 5km, and parents/adults are welcome in the 5km Some ages will be combined, as well some girls/boys races Schedule: 10:00 2 km Age 8/under mixed Girls/Boys (1 loop) 10:20 3 km 9-12 Girls 10:45 3 km 9-12 Boys 11:15 4 km 13-14 mixed Girls/Boys 11:45 5 km Age 15-18 mixed 15-18 and open
Age Divisions - Age divisions are determined by year of birth (NOT age on event day). A competitor must compete in his/her age division only Chip timing Live Results will be available, location posted on site. Eligibility USATF Membership is NOT required for this race. Membership and birth date verification IS required for the Junior Olympic championship on Sunday, November 15. 2027 USATF individual and club membership begins on November 1.
COURSE: The Hopkinton Fairgrounds Cross Country Course was constructed at the fairbrounds in 2010, and has been improved each year. The course is managed by the Hopkinton Runners Society (a non-profit and USATF member organization) and a growing number of events are hosted there including the New Hampshire Middle School and High School championships and NCAA Regional qualifying races. The all grass surface over 1km and 2km loops are a good test for harriers of all ages, and the loops course provides for good spectating and competition. Course Map and Area Set Up Course tour video There will be a defined flagged area for team tents ENTRY
Youth event entry is entirely online at athletic.net Clubs, schools, and unattached individuals must set up an account on athletic.net to enter the meet. The entry link will include instructions on setting up an athletic.net account if one does not have an account. Entry fee is $15 per competitor. Entry deadline is Thursday, October 15, at 11:59 p.m. There is NO LATE ENTRY for youth and no day of the event entry. Open/Adult entry is on site only, ending at 10:30 a.m. Entry fee is $15, cash or check only Parking There is a parking fee for all vehicles. Parking in large lots is available at the adjacent Fairgrounds parking lot, a short walk from the course. There is a parking fee per vehicle. Cars parked on nearby roadways or private lots are subject to ticketing and towing. Current USATF clubs will receive one (1) pass to use the officials entrance at no fee to bring in tents and store team gear.
SafeSport Training USATF New England encourages coaches, parents, and athletes to become aware of SafeSport to help us create a safe environment for the athletes. Training and other resources are available here: http://bit.ly/AthleteSafety All coaches should complete annual SafeSport training (no fee) There is also a recommended parent SafeSport course (no fee)