Running can be a lifelong pursuit. Some athletes begin in elementary school, others discover the sport in high school, college, or adulthood. Some run for friendship, fitness, and confidence. Others want to compete at the highest levels in cross country, track, and road racing. Our goal is to help each athlete find the right environment for their current stage of development, with opportunities to grow into the next level when they are ready.
This pathway connects three training groups that support athletes from youth running through high school, collegiate-level development, and adult competition. Athletes may participate locally or, when appropriate, through remote training plans and coach-supported participation.
Roadrunner Junior Club is the starting point for many young runners, but athletes are welcome at all ability levels. The focus is on helping elementary and middle school athletes discover the joy of running, build confidence, develop friendships, and learn healthy training habits. Some athletes are just beginning, while others are preparing for competitive cross country and track opportunities.
Roadrunner is designed to be inclusive. Athletes are grouped in ways that consider age, experience, ability, readiness, and training background. The goal is long-term development, not rushing young runners into too much training too soon. Local athletes can participate in team practices and races, while remote athletes may use training plans and guidance to stay connected when they are outside the Provo area.
Best fit: Elementary and middle school runners of all ability levels who want a supportive team environment, gradual development, and opportunities to race.
AlphaPack is the next step for high school athletes who want a more advanced training experience. It can serve as either supplementary training alongside a school program or a more complete club experience for athletes who want additional structure, coaching, and accountability.
The group is designed for athletes who want to take their running to an elite level. Training emphasizes consistency, smart progression, race preparation, performance habits, and the details that help high school runners compete well in cross country and track. Local participation is available, and remote athletes may also participate through training plans, communication with coaches, and individualized support.
Best fit: High school runners who are motivated to improve, compete seriously, and prepare for high-level racing.
Franklin Elite Athletics provides a training home for athletes who want to continue developing beyond high school. This includes athletes looking for a collegiate substitute experience, post-collegiate runners, and adults who want to train and race at a high level.
The Franklin Elite model is built for serious development, with attention to training, recovery, strength, mindset, nutrition, and race preparation. It gives athletes a place to keep pursuing competitive track, cross country, and road racing goals without assuming that adult running must only mean moving toward the marathon. For many athletes, the next step is continued speed, strength, racing, and personal growth.
Local athletes may train directly with the group, while remote athletes can receive structured plans and coaching support to stay connected and progress toward their goals.
Best fit: Collegiate-level, post-collegiate, and adult runners who want serious training, competitive goals, and a high-performance team culture.
Athletes do not need to follow one single path. A runner may begin with Roadrunners, move into AlphaPack during high school, and later continue with Franklin Elite. Another athlete may join for the first time in high school or adulthood. The important part is finding the right level of support for the athlete’s current stage.
Whether the goal is to complete a first season, make new friends, qualify for state, race nationally, continue after high school, or pursue elite adult competition, there is a place to keep developing.
Each level includes options for athletes who are not able to attend regular local practices. Remote support may include training plans, coach communication, race guidance, progress updates, and ways to stay connected to the broader running community.
For questions about the best fit, start with the group that matches the athlete’s current age and goals:
Roadrunner Junior Club — Elementary and middle school
AlphaPack — High school development and elite preparation
Franklin Elite Athletics — Collegiate-level, post-collegiate, and adult competition