Run Fast. Train Smart. Build Champions.
Professional track & field training for youth athletes ages 6-18
Training Groups by Age
Placement based on age and experienceElementary (Ages 8 and under)
- ✓Sprint and distance training
- ✓Form and fundamentals
- ✓Form correction
- ✓Javeline training
- ✓Intro to long jump
Middle School (Ages 9-13)
- ✓Sprint and distance training
- ✓Form and fundamentals
- ✓Javeline training
- ✓Shotput training
- ✓Long jump training
- ✓Intro to hurdles
- ✓Intro to high jump
High School (Ages 14–18)
- ✓Sprint and distance training
- ✓Form and fundamentals
- ✓Javeline training
- ✓Shotput training
- ✓Hurdles training
- ✓High jump training
- ✓Long/triple jump training
Training Groups by Age
Placement based on age and experienceElementary (Ages 7–10)
- ✓Running fundamentals and posture
- ✓Introduction to distance running
- ✓Compete and gain confidence
Middle School (Ages 11–14)
- ✓Endurance development and pacing
- ✓Form and fundamentals
- ✓Hills and terrain skills
- ✓Competition preparation and coaching
Cross Country Season
Aug – NovCompetition
$300- ✓Team practices twice a week
- ✓Competition practice once a week
- ✓Competition entry fees included
- ✓Coaching at meets
- ✓Does not include the required USATF youth membership fee and competition uniforms
What to Expect
Excellence in every aspect of training
Expert Coaching
USATF certified coaches with years of coaching experience
Speed & Strength
Proven methods to build explosive power and endurance
Positive Culture
Supportive environment that builds confidence and character
Injury Prevention
Safe training protocols with proper warm-up and recovery
Weekly Schedule
Training sessions to make you faster
| Day | Time | Practice/Meets |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM | Practice |
| Tuesday | On your own | |
| Wednesday | 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM | Practice |
| Thursday | On your own | |
| Friday | On your own | |
| Saturday | To be announced | Track meets |
Note: Any cancellations or changes will be communicated through Team Reach.
Meet Our Coaches
Dedicated professionals committed to your athlete's success
Jenn Houser
Middle School PE Teacher, Former D1 Athlete, Passionate Coach
Hi everyone! I'm Jenn Houser, and I'm beyond excited to be part of the team! I competed in cross country and track at the University of Arizona—Bear Down, Wildcats! Those years taught me discipline, grit, and the power of a supportive team. Now, after 17 years of teaching and coaching, I'm lucky enough to pass that experience on to the next generation of athletes. By day, I teach middle school PE at Coronado, and by afternoon, I'm lacing up my shoes to coach—because helping young runners grow in confidence, strength, and character is what truly fuels me. Whether it's a crisp 400m rep or a pep talk at the finish line, I bring energy, structure, and heart to everything we do. I'm focused on building athletes who work hard, support each other, and have fun along the way.
Leah Britt
Experienced Coach, Former D1 Athlete, Community Leader
Leah Britt is in her third season as a coach with the Oro Valley Roadrunners Track & Field team, where she brings passion, experience, and a deep commitment to athlete development. A former Division I collegiate athlete, Leah competed in track and field at Southern Utah University, where she also met her husband, Phillip—a fellow track standout. Married for 19 years, Leah and Phillip are the proud parents of three active kids: Princeton (12), Loulou (10), and Phelix (6). Originally from Southeastern Idaho, Leah blends a strong competitive drive with a heart for community, making her a natural leader and mentor within the Roadrunners program. Outside of coaching, Leah lives an active lifestyle filled with hiking, swimming, and CrossFit competitions. She is also deeply committed to service, regularly seeking out ways to give back and uplift those around her. Her energy, dedication, and example inspire both athletes and those around her.
Chandler John
State Champion Athlete, Multi-Sport Background, Dedicated Coach
Coach Chandler brings a winning mindset and multi-sport expertise to the Oro Valley Roadrunners. During high school, he competed in both high jump and 300m hurdles, capturing the Arizona state championship. Though he had college offers for both basketball and track and field, he chose to play basketball for Eastern Arizona College - bringing a unique perspective on athletic development across sports. Married to his wife Lacey, Coach Chandler is the proud father of two kids, Juniper and Rigden. His passion for track stems from its honesty as a sport: What you put into it is what you get out of it.I love that your greatest competition is always between you and yourself. Coach Chandler finds his greatest joy in watching young athletes put forth their best effort and compete to the best of their abilities. He's a strong advocate for multi-sport participation, believing that track makes athletes better in all aspects and easily translates to success in other sports.
Tiffany Simmons
Lifelong Runner, Collegiate Athlete, Experienced Coach
My love of running began at just six years old when I laced up for my first one-mile road race. That day sparked a lifelong passion that has shaped who I am. I was fortunate to grow up with a strong role model in my uncle, who was the running coach at our local high school. Under his guidance, I dove headfirst into cross country and track, eventually racing in hundreds of road races—from 5Ks to marathons. Some of my favorite running memories are from those early days with our running club. We'd be dropped off on quiet country gravel roads and find our way back to the school. Those runs weren't just about training; they were about adventure, camaraderie, and learning to love the journey as much as the finish line. My passion for running carried me through college, where I competed at the collegiate level. After college, I found new joy in giving back to the sport that gave me so much—coaching both high school and middle school cross country and track. Helping young athletes discover their own love for running and watching them grow in confidence and character has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. One of my proudest accomplishments was achieving a lifelong goal: running the Boston Marathon. It was a dream years in the making and a testament to the dedication I've always had for this sport. But more than any race or medal, the true highlight of my running life has been coaching my daughters. Watching them grow as runners and sharing this passion together has brought everything full circle. Running has always been more than a sport to me—it's a way of life, a source of discipline and joy, and a connection to the people and places that have shaped my story.
Michael Smith
PE Department Chair, Championship Coach, Former NCAA All-American
Michael Smith is an accomplished Physical Education teacher, coach, and leader with over 15 years of experience in education, athletics, and youth development. He currently serves as the Physical Education Teacher and Department Chair at Ironwood Ridge High School in Oro Valley, Arizona, where he also leads the Track & Field and Cross Country programs as Head Coach. Throughout his career, Michael has combined his passion for physical education with a commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field. From 2012 to 2022, he held similar leadership roles at Catalina Foothills High School in Tucson, serving as Department Chair and Head Coach. His teams have earned multiple Arizona High School State Championships, and he has been recognized as Southern Arizona Coach of the Year. In addition to his work in schools, Michael is a CrossFit Trainer at CrossFit 646, guiding members in group fitness with a focus on functional movement and lifelong health. He has also played various leadership roles at Chestnut Lake Camp in Pennsylvania, supporting youth development as Program/Operations Leader, Varsity Head Counselor, and Outdoor Adventure Director over multiple summers.Michael holds a Master of Arts in Human Performance and Physical Education from Adams State College, where he also served as a Graduate Assistant Track & Field Coach, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Chadron State College. As a former NCAA Division II All-American in Track & Field, he brings firsthand athletic excellence to his coaching philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
For cross country, a good pair of running shoes and a water bottle are the essentials. For track and field, athletes may eventually benefit from event-specific shoes (like spikes), but these are not required for beginners. Comfortable athletic clothing is recommended. We’ll provide guidance on any additional gear as your child progresses.
Yes. We believe every child should have the opportunity to participate in running. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to us. We have financial aid options and can work with families on a case-by-case basis.
Absolutely! We welcome new athletes to come try one practice for free. It’s a great way to see if Roadrunners is a good fit before registering.
No experience is required! Many of our athletes start with little or no background in track or cross country. Our coaches teach the fundamentals in a positive, supportive environment where kids can grow at their own pace.
Yes. Our athletes have the option to participate in local and regional meets during the season. Meets are a fun way to test progress, build team spirit, and celebrate hard work—but participation is encouraged, not required.
Safety comes first. Practices may be delayed, shortened, or canceled in cases of lightning, heavy rain, extreme heat, or poor air quality. Updates are sent promptly through our TeamReach communication app so families are always informed.
Contact Us
Reach out and get in touch with us
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