There are two running clubs for Highlands youth

Posted 1/8/25

Does your child like to run? If so, here’s some information about both an existing and new running club for local youth.

FAST & FURIOUS GIRLS RUNNING CLUB Erin Smith, a junior at James …

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There are two running clubs for Highlands youth

Posted

Does your child like to run? If so, here’s some information about both an existing and new running club for local youth.

FAST & FURIOUS GIRLS RUNNING CLUB
Erin Smith, a junior at James I. O’Neill High School -- and decorated varsity cross country and track athlete -- runs a free running club for girls, grades 5-8, called Fast & Furious Running Club. It’s for Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery and West Point girls interested in learning about the sport, and also looking for a fun way to be outside with others. If you have a daughter in grades 5-8 and are interested in this running club, contact her at 08eesmith@gmail.com

TOWN OF HIGHLANDS BOYS/PARENTS RUNNING CLUB
This new club will be run by O’Neill High School physical education teacher and cross country team coach Rob Conklin. He has worked with local runners for the last 19 years.

“The goal is to introduce young men from Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery, West Point and Garrison to the lifetime sport of distance running,” he said this week. “Some of the benefits that athletes and parents will have is access to a distance running coach 24/7. Running gait analysis evaluation, weekly running programs, stretching routines, nutrition plans, strength training and injury prevention are just a few benefits to enjoy about the club.”

He said they will train and hold two practices a week aiming to race a 5k once a month. This club is also completely free – although he wouldn’t mind donations made out to James I. O’Neill Cross Country.

Parents can Contact Conklin 24/7 at Conklin712@gmail.com if anyone is interested or having any questions regarding the running club.

It’s open to boys in 3rd through 8th grades, and, as a bonus, parents of boys signed up can also train and have access to a distance coach 24/7. There will be a first meeting of the club on February 1 – prior to that, for those interested, Conklin would like to perform a running gait analysis “to observe running form to determine if any movements or deficiencies need to be corrected in order to maximize running efficiency and assist in injury prevention.”