SUMMER 2026 — YOUTH TRAIL RUNS
Free · Grades 4–8 · Cleveland west side · Starting late June
A community run club for kids who want to be outside, run with friends, and get a couple solid runs in each week over the summer. No registration fees, no uniforms, no pressure. Just show up and run.
We meet twice a week. Mondays are a little harder — a workout, hills, intervals on the trail. Wednesdays are easier — a longer, casual run for getting miles and talking to your friends. If your kid is also doing Ohio Speed Demons on Tuesday and Thursday, this slots in alongside it. If not, this is enough on its own.
What this is
- A free community run club for kids who like to run
- Two coached sessions a week, Mondays and Wednesdays
- Coach Tim leading every session
- A chance to get stronger, faster, and more confident over the summer
- Open to families — parents are welcome to run with us
What this isn’t
- Not a drop-off camp or babysitting
- Not gym class — we run, we drill, we run more
- Not a competitive team — no meets, no rankings, no pressure
- Not for total beginners — kids should be able to comfortably run for 15–20 minutes already
If your kid is independent enough to handle a coached run with a small group, drop-off is fine — but only with my okay first. If they’re newer to this, run with us. Adults are welcome on every session.
WHEN & WHERE
- Days: Mondays + Wednesdays
- Time: Morning, time confirmed before first run [PLACEHOLDER: Tim to confirm]
- Season: Late June through August
- Where: Cleveland Metroparks, west side (specific trailhead shared after signup)
WHO’S COACHING
I’m Tim Hodge. I’m the head track & field coach and assistant cross country coach at St. Bernadette in Westlake (grades 1–8), assistant coach for Ohio Speed Demons track club, and a USATF certified Cross Country Specialist.
Before moving to North Olmsted in 2017, I worked out west as a backcountry guide — kayaking, rafting, and backpacking — and was an EMT on the Las Vegas Metro Police Search and Rescue Mountain Rescue Team. I’ve spent a lot of time outside, and I like to do it safely.
I’m a lifelong runner who spends most days on the Metroparks trails and signs up for more half marathons than is probably a good idea. I started Dirty Shoes RC to foster running as a lifestyle sport, helping kids who want to run — or want to learn how. Come get your shoes dirty.
SIGN YOUR KID UP
Drop your info below and I’ll send the schedule, meet location, and a quick waiver. — Coach Tim