Youth runner Camps 2026
Join other young athletes to learn new skills, set goals, and reset for the upcoming cross country season.
an unforgettable week of running + unlimited fun.
Join other young athletes to learn new skills, set goals, and reset for the upcoming cross country season.
At Youth Runner Camps, it’s more than just training. It’s a week packed with trail runs, skill-building sessions, team games, campfires, and friendships that last long after camp ends.
This is the summer where it all comes together, and things start to click.
❊ 2026 Camps
Inspiration. Fun.
Join us for an unforgettable week of running, learning, and fun. Meet other motivated athletes, build lasting friendships, and sharpen your skills. Learn race strategies, gain confidence, and leave camp feeling prepared for the upcoming cross country season.
July 27-31st @ Coupeville, Washington
Fort Casey Running Camp
High School | Ages 13–18
The Fort Casey XC Camp is located on Whidbey Island near the town of Coupeville in Washington. This camp is primarily a high school camp and is limited to 60 passionate athletes. Coaching team includes Pat Tyson, coach at Gonzaga University, Jackson High Coach Eric Hruschka and the rest of the YR team. There are miles of trails at Fort Casey through forests and next to the water's edge. Thursday will be a ferry trip across the water over to Port Townsend. Join this cross country team atmosphere and get prepared for your own season.
Meals + lodging included
Safe supervision 24/7
Expert coaches & athletes
Day trip on the Ferry to Port Townsend for a sandcastle competition
Daily trail runs + team building
Learn advanced training and racing techniques
Scholarships available
+ So much more!
August 3-7th @ Mt. Hood, Oregon
Elite Middle School Camp
Middle School Camp | Ages 11–14
Located at the base of Mt. Hood, in Oregon the Youth Runner Elite Middle School Camp is nestled in a forest of Douglas Fir trees and borders the Sandy River. There are trails throughout camp and a big mountain meadow that we use for workouts and training. Many top youth runners from around the country have attended this camp and gone on to success.
Meals + lodging included
Safe supervision 24/7
Pacing strategies & race tactics
Expert coaches & athletes
Advanced workouts + drills
Race mindset + strategy
Strong team culture
Scholarships available
+ So much more!
❊ Testimonials
Loved by Campers, Trusted by Parents.
Real stories from families who’ve joined us at Youth Runner Camps.
“Just wanted say thank you, to you and your coaching staff. My son had a great time. In fact, on our flight home he told me, “ I really like running.” I said, I thought you always did. His response, “no, now it’s different, as soon as we get home, I want to go running.”
— Cristina M, Parent
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"Everything finally clicked for me in the 8th grade at the Youth Runner Camp."
— Beni B, Athlete
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“Just wanted to send you a quick note, thanking you for the invite to the middle school camp—we’ve spoken with Lily each evening since arriving and she’s having a total blast, meeting new friends, and getting inspired. Thanks for the invitation, and for the support in getting her there!”
— Blake M., Parent
“
Meet the Team
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![Pat Tyson, Head coach at Youth Running Camps]()
Coach Tyson
HEAD COACH
Distance Coach at Gonzaga University. While he was at Mead High School in Spokane, the Harriers achieved an impressive 180-8 in one of the toughest dual-meet leagues in the nation. Reaching state competition for 18 consecutive years to win 12 state titles. During that time, the Harriers had a nine-year streak when they never lost a competition. Pat was also Steve Prefontaine's roommate at the University of Oregon and has plenty of stories to tell. -
![Eliza Irish, co-camp director at youth running camps]()
eliza irish
CO-CAMP DIRECTOR
Eliza ran track and cross country at Pacific University and is currently a high school coach at West Linn High School. Eliza is the perfect coach and role model for young girl runners.
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![Nick Slenning, co-camp director at youth running camps]()
Nick slenning
CO-CAMP DIRECTOR
Nick has been with the camp for eight years. Attended Pacific University and is now the head coach at Oregon Episcopal School in Portland. Nick is loved by all and is an amazing camp director with Eliza.
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![Coach Bob Williams, advisor at Youth Running Camps]()
COACH BOB williams
COACH / ADVISOR / LEGEND
Coach Bob was a steeplechaser at the University of Oregon and brings decades of championship-level insight and inspiration to young athletes. He teaches based on the Bowerman principles of training. Trivia, Bob was the 9th tester of the original Nike shoes and was a friend of Steve Prefontaine.
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![Coaching staff at Youth Runing Camps]()
coaching staff
COUNSELORS AND COACHES
We’re proud of our team. Both Beni Balazs and Noah McMahon started as campers in the 5th grade, became team leaders in high school, and are now part of the coaching staff. Beni is one of the top athletes in the nation for U of O and Noah is part of the team at Gonzaga. Alex Slenning ran for UW, the UO and is still competing. Mac Heffernan wilderness medic. High school phenom Samantha McDonnell from Newbury Park went to UO. They know what it’s like to be a youth runner. -
![Mac Heffernan, medic at Youth Running Camps]()
Mac Heffernan
CERTIFIED WILDERNESS MEDIC
Mac brings his experience as a mountain medic while we’re running the trails and always has a bucket of ice at the perfect time. He’s with us 24/7. Campers love Mac. -
![Dan Kesterson, founder, producer, and operations at youth running magazine and Youth Running Camps]()
DAN KESTERSON
FOUNDER, PRODUCER, OPERATIONS
Runs the day-to-day operations and is behind the scenes producing all the magic. He’s the founder of Youth Runner Magazine and the Youth Running Camps -
![guest athletes & experts at youth running camps]()
guest athletes & experts
One of the highlights of camp are the guest athletes and experts that drop in such as:
Katelyn Tuohy, Conor Thompson, Lexy Halladay, Coach Peter Thompson, Katie Mackey, Nick Symmonds, Melody Fairchild, Andrew Wheating, Ella Donaghu, and many others.
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![Eric Hruschka, head xc & track coach, youth runner camps]()
Eric Hruschka
HEAD XC & TRACK COACH
Head xc and track coach for Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Washington. With over 25 years of coaching experience he is recognized for developing top-tier distance runners in the state. He was also part of the Falcon Running Camp.
❊ FAQs
General questions about youth runner camps
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Fort Casey Running Camp is July 27-July 31st.
Elite Middle School Camp at Mt. Hood is August 3-7th.
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It's more important to have the desire to learn. You'll become better by being around others with the same mindset.
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All campers should be in shape and putting in some miles ahead of camp.
Our coaches can be available after you sign up to assist you with a summer plan leading up to camp. The more prepared you are the more you'll get out of camp.
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Register and complete the medical forms and waivers, list any dietary requirements.
Make sure your tuition balance is paid.
Review the packing list for your camp.
Label your campers gear.
Add the pickup and departure times to your calendar.
Review the camp policies.
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If your team is bringing five or more campers, each camper may be eligible for a discount.
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Registration fees will roll over to a camp in the next year. There are no refunds.
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We expect our campers to treat each other with kindness and respect. Language or any inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
THE BEST YOUTH RUNNING CAMPs OUT THERE.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY YOUTHRUNNER MAGAZINE.
A week of trail running, friendships, and unforgettable summer memories.
