Week 6 Preview: on the Warpath
Hello Jr Cougar Nation! This week we return to Bolling Park in Canton for the 32nd Annual Fleet Feet Warpath Invitational.
Quick reminder to all parents. If you know the W's already, please feel free to skip below this section to the preview (GREEN HIGHLIGHT)
----
We will run for the second time this year at Bolling Park, where we started the season with the Summer Elite mileage runners several weeks ago. A favorite for JRCXC, this course is flat, usually fast (weather permitting) and highly visible.
Here's what you need to know, all the W's:
Who: all runners are invited. REPEAT: ALL RUNNERS ARE INVITED!!!
Where: Bolling Park, Canton. 1200 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114
When: Saturday, Sep 12 at 10:45am. Be sure to arrive no later than 9:30 so your runner is checked in, tagged, and ready to warm-up by 9:50.
What: There are two races for us in the morning. All girls will race at 10:45, followed by all boys at 11:15. There are no separate JV/V races at this meet, but we will select the runners who will wear the Varsity jerseys throughout this week. Everyone should bring their yellow JRCXC jerseys no matter what.
What's Special this week: This is not a 3k, which the past two meets have been. This is the traditional 2-mile race. The course is flat and usually fast - PRs will be set!
Weather: Weather is looking to be cooler than the last few weekends, but still not in the desired low-70s. We have a heat-mitigation strategy for our runners for warm-ups and during the race. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and I would suggest a camping chair as well.
(a)Wards: Top 10 runners will receive medals in the chutes.
$9 per spectator - the meet may have cash at the gate, but highly advised you purchase ahead of time through GoFan (link here) or using the QR code document I have attached.
Parking can be a NIGHTMARE at Warpath. This is a popular meet. Best advice is to actually park above the park in the old Cherokee High School parking lot (use the north end) and walk down the hill behind the school to the gates. If you have small children or elderly guests with you, consider arriving earlier than expected.
-------
Preview for this week
We're back at Warpath. JRCXC has raced this meet almost every year that I can remember. We've generally fared well, winning both sides last year, but this is another Saturday and a new slate of teams. Great Strides will probably carry the day on the boys' side, but the battle for 2nd and 3rd will be heated. Vickery Creek MS continues to impress with their top-half of the squad - their top 6 are very hard to separate. We will be right in the mix of teams 2-5, and surprises will happen. Keep an eye on Creekland, as they will be a strong opponent this year in Bleckley at State.
The girls' race will be very competitive. I don't expect to know team finishes 1-4 until the 7th runner has crossed for all of the following teams: us, Great Strides, Heritage Prep and Creekland. We will be sitting a few runners, so a 3rd or 4th place team finish will be a great day for us.
In both races we are now beginning to tune up racing strategies: who to stay with, who to target, and how to finish. This will serve two purposes: begin the tuning for our last few meets of the season and help younger runners begin to understand that racing can be more than just running. All week we've worked on pace changes and fighting through the mid-race wall; good sightlines and slightly cooler weather may help us to put those into practice.
There are still about a dozen runners who have not made their 2026 debut, and we hope to see some of them this weekend. Warpath is a fun, flat meet and spectators have easy access to over 50% of the course from one location. You will have a lot of JRCXC jerseys to cheer for, and we look forward to another strong showing from Junior Cougar Nation!
------
Final Reminders for Saturday:
Address: Bolling Park, Canton. 1200 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114
Parking & Course Map: (see highlighted note above regarding parking)
First meet? You will need more time than you think. Plan on arriving in enough time to have ~10 minutes to park, ~5 minutes to walk, and ~10 minutes for your runner to get checked in and ready. That's 20-25 minutes BEFORE we start warming-up AT A MINIMUM. We will head out with the girls for warmups at 9:50. If your runner is late, they will have to check in at the tent and come find us on the course.
Look for the big yellow Junior Cougars tent and flag, and the neon orange Support Team shirts.
Looking forward to a great Saturday! Cougar On!
-Coach Derek & Coach Cross
Comments