What to expect & FAQs

Our Running Seasons

The Bayshore Project trains year-round across three seasons. Runners are welcome to join for a single season or stay with us through all three, most families find that consistency across seasons is where the real progress happens.

  • Spring Track (January – May) — Building speed on the track, with a focus on the 1500M, 800M, and 400M.
  • Summer Conditioning (June – August) — Easy, steady mileage to build a base before cross country begins.
  • Fall Cross Country (August – October) — Our competitive season, racing 3K as a middle school club team.

Every season is open to runners of all experience levels, and no previous running background is needed. Practices are three days a week and last about an hour. Dues are paid per season, and parents are always welcome to join us for workouts.

2026 Spring Track (January – May)

*Schedules for training runs, meets, dates, times, and locations are subject to change and located in the Stack Team app. New runners please complete the steps on the How to Join page to get access before joining a practice.

For Bayshore Project members, track season is a way to work on speed and lay a foundation for fall cross country. As such, we do not train for the shortest track events (100M, 200M). Bayshore Project runners primarily focus on the 1500M (almost 1 mile) but also frequently compete in the 400M and 800M. Spring practice will begin on Monday the 15th of January. We ask that all BP runners participate in at least two of our team’s scheduled meets.

Practices are 3 days a week and last about an hour. Distance will vary depending on runners experience and comfort level but typically between 2-3+ miles on weekdays and 2-5+ miles on weekends. We ask that runners come dressed appropriately in running shoes and shorts and bring a water bottle. Please be there on time to start with the group. Consistent with our mission of creating a middle school running community, we will continue to welcome parents to join us in workouts.

We ask that members try to attend at least 2 races per season and wear their Bayshore Project uniforms. More race details provided on Stack Team App

Practice Day of weekTimeLocation
Mondays, Thursdays, SaturdaysSchedules for training runs, dates, times, and locations are located in the Stack Team appBayshore (meet at the gazebo at Ballast Point Park) or Gadsen Park or varying locations to be announced periodically

2026 Summer Training (June – Aug)

We are planning a summer conditioning program to keep the kids in the groove before picking up for fall cross-country season. Subject to coaches’ availability, we will plan to run three times a week, for 2-5 easy miles, starting early June . Cost will be $50.

Schedules for training runs, dates, times, and locations are located in the Stack Team app. Practice is subject to cancellation due to weather and coaches’ availability. New runners please complete the steps on the How to Join page before joining a practice.

Practice Day of WeekTimeLocation
Mondays7:00 pmMarjorie Yacht Basin
Wednesdays7:30 amFred Ball Park
Thursdays7:00 pmBallast Point Park

2026 Fall Cross Country (Aug – Oct)

All Bayshore Project members compete in the 3K. Practices are held three days a week and last about an hour. Distances vary with each runner’s experience and comfort level, but typically fall between 2–3+ miles on weekdays and 2–5+ miles on weekends. Runners should arrive dressed to run — running shoes, shorts, and a water bottle — and be on time so the group can start together. Consistent with our mission of building a middle school running community, parents are always welcome to join us for workouts.

Schedules for training runs, dates, times, and locations are located in the Stack Team app. New runners please complete the steps on the How to Join page before joining a practice.

Always check and RSVP in the app schedule for weather and start-time updates.

Practice Day of the WeekTimeLocation
Monday7:00 PMColeman Middle School Track
Thursday7:00 PMBallast Point
Saturday8:00 AMMarjorie Yacht Basin

Fees are due by August 18th. Everyone who pays by the deadline is entered into a drawing for a Bayshore Project–themed YETI cooler, drawn at Fit & Fly. Families who register for both the cross country and track seasons receive a 5% discount and two entries into the drawing.

  • New members: $250, or $175 per sibling — includes racing uniform and training tee
  • Returning members: $200, or $100 per sibling
2026 Fall Race Schedule
DateMeetLocation
Aug 22Jim Ryan FCA InvitationalLakeland, FL
Sep 5Florida Horse Park InvitationalOcala, FL
Sep 12Seffner Christian InvitationalLakeland, FL
Sep 19Running on the Range Under the Lights (night race)Middleton, FL
Sep 26Todd Howsare Memorial Falcon InvitationalDunedin, FL
Oct 2FLRunners.com Invitational (night race)Lakeland, FL
Oct 17Bay Area Middle School ChampionshipsTampa, FL
Oct 31FLYRA Middle School State Championship (championship & open races)Lakeland, FL

Dues and Payments

Dues are paid per season (Spring Track, Summer Conditioning, Fall Cross Country).

2026 Fall Cross Country fees are due by August 18th. Everyone who pays by the deadline is entered into a drawing for a Bayshore Project–themed YETI cooler, drawn at Fit & Fly. Families who register for both the cross country and track seasons receive a 5% discount and two entries into the drawing.

  • New members: $250, or $175 per sibling
  • Returning members: $200, or $100 per sibling
Both XC and Track (5% Discount)
  • New members: $440, or $365 per sibling
  • Returning members: $380, or $190 per sibling
What Your Membership Includes
  • Official racing uniform
  • Short-sleeved dri-fit training shirt
  • Registration fees for scheduled XC meets*

*Dues do not cover race registration fees for events not listed in that season’s team race schedule. We typically participate in a few local 5K races each season that are not included in dues. Additional uniform pieces are available but must be ordered and paid for separately.

Payment Methods
QR code to send Bayshore Project dues by Zelle
Scan to pay by Zelle
  • Zelle is strongly preferred: John.connery08@gmail.com
  • PayPal: jaclyncahill@bayshoreproject.com — if you use PayPal, please select “Friends and Family.” Please do not select “Goods and Services.”

Please connect with the coaches if you need to discuss alternate arrangements.

Dues are non-refundable after two weeks of practice. We strive to keep our costs as low as possible; however, our dues have increased to keep pace with sharp increases in meet fees.

FAQs

What should I wear/bring to practice? 
Come dressed in shorts, t-shirt, and running shoes – it’s hot, so no long sleeves or long pants. Bring a filled water bottle.

Is previous running experience necessary? 
No. Anyone at any level is invited to join us.  The goal is for each individual to improve their fitness and ability. We will ask the kids to do things outside their comfort zone. 

How many weeks is the Middle School program? 
Spring Track season will begin early January and run through the end of May. Summer conditioning May-Aug and Fall Cross Country Aug-Dec.

How far is a Middle School Cross-Country race?
The competition distance for Middle School is 3K or 1.86 miles.

My Child Hasn’t Done Any Kind of Running – Can They Participate?
Most of the kids in the program are beginner runners and everyone is a first-time runner at some point. The program does not require any previous running experience. Many kids have gone from beginner, first-time runners to multiple season, experienced runners!

My Child Already Loves Running – Is This Program for Them Too?
We have EVERY skill level of runner on the team including those who have won multiple age group 5K runs. The Bayshore Project is a running club registered with USA Track & Field. We have had multiple runners qualify for regional and state races both as individuals and there may be opportunities to compete in USATF local, regional, and national cross-country and track competitions.

Does My Child Need to Attend all Practices Each Week?
All practices are voluntary however we recommend that your child attend as many as possible as that’s the best way to make meaningful running progress. We ask that members try to attend at least 2 races per season and wear their Bayshore Project uniforms.

May younger siblings participate?
The Bayshore Project has had a number of 3rd-4th graders participate in the program with very good success. If they have an older sibling on the team they are welcome to join for practices but for races there is a different age range for younger competition. Siblings get a 50% discount on dues!

If you have any questions not listed here please ask using our Contact page. During scheduled practice time we want our coaches attention on the athletes!