Cross-county All-American launches youth run club

A Cross-Country All-American is attempting to bring a passion for running to DeKalb youth with the launch of a new local running club.

Decatur resident and Georgia Tech’s first Cross Country All-American, Kevin Graham, is bringing his passion for distance running to the next generation with the launch of DeKalb Dash, a local youth cross country club serving youth runners ages nine to 14 around the Decatur and surrounding DeKalb County community.

DeKalb Dash was created to introduce young athletes, to the sport of cross country while helping runners of all experience levels build endurance, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for running.

“My son was interested in running track and cross country in 6th grade and while Dekalb County offers a spring track season, they do not offer 6th and 7th graders the opportunity to run cross country,” said Graham. “I saw a need to get my son involved and figured others would be interested as well, so I started the club for ages 9 to 14, and we are fortunate to have 25 to 30 young athletes join the group.”

The program provides structured practices, opportunities to compete in local meets, and a positive team environment focused on individual improvement.

“The club is designed to introduce the sport of distance running to new runners and those that may have tried track or “fun runs” but want more competitive opportunities,” stated Graham. “We want to create an environment where kids can find their “tribe” and belong to something meaningful and worthwhile.”

Graham, a former Georgia Tech standout, Cross Country All-American, former 10,000-meter school record holder, and 6-time Georgia State Champion, said he hopes to use his experience to grow interest in distance running and make the sport more accessible to young athletes throughout the area.

“I was fortunate to have a great coach and very quickly fell in love with the sport. I quickly figured out that in running you get what you deserve. If you put in the work you’ll see improvement,” said Graham. “I love the quote: ‘The will to succeed means nothing without the will to prepare.’ I succeeded at the high school and collegiate level mainly due to the preparation. All that to say, I want to inform the kids in our group the concept that practice, and work will produce results.”

The club will run from Aug. 22 through Dec. 12, including tournaments throughout the season. Practices will be hosted at Druid Hills Middle School, located at 3100 Mt. Olive Dr. Registration costs $200 and includes weekly practice sessions, a racing singlet, team T-shirt, awards, and an end-of-season party.

For more information and to register for the club, visit http://www.exact-timing.com/dekalb-dash.html.