Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Kokopelli Running?
Kokopelli Running is a youth running program focused on helping young athletes develop as runners and as people. We provide a positive, challenging training environment where athletes can build fitness, confidence, independence, friendships, and a long-term love of running.
Who is Kokopelli for?
Kokopelli works with athletes across a wide range of ages and abilities, from younger runners discovering the sport to experienced middle school and high school athletes looking for more structured training.
Each program has different age and experience requirements, so please review the specific program page before registering.
Do you need to be an experienced runner to join?
Not necessarily. Many of our programs welcome athletes of different experience levels.
Our JOXC and Summer programs are designed to accommodate a broad range of runners. Some advanced and winter training programs are intended for experienced athletes who already have an established running base.
Is Kokopelli a recreational program or a competitive team?
Both.
We believe athletes should have opportunities to enjoy running, improve, build friendships, and compete when appropriate. Some athletes participate primarily for fitness and community, while others have competitive goals in cross country, track, USATF competition, or high school running.
What is Kokopelli's coaching philosophy?
We focus on long-term athlete development rather than short-term results.
Our goal is to create an environment where athletes learn how to train, challenge themselves, become more confident, and progressively take greater ownership of their development.
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What programs does Kokopelli offer?
Kokopelli offers seasonal running and training opportunities that may include:
JOXC / Fall Cross Country
Summer Running
Winter Training
Advanced Middle School and High School Training
Camps
Races and special events
Program availability, locations, ages, and schedules vary throughout the year.
What is JOXC?
JOXC is Kokopelli's fall youth cross country program.
It is designed for athletes approximately ages 7–14 and provides coached practices, progressive running development, and opportunities to participate in cross country competition.
Athletes should be able to comfortably run approximately 1–2 miles continuously before beginning the program.
What is the Summer Running Program?
Summer Running provides structured training during the summer while giving athletes an opportunity to build fitness, improve running skills, and prepare for upcoming cross country seasons.
The program serves a broad range of athletes and ability levels, with coaching adjusted appropriately within the training groups.
What is Winter Training?
Winter Training is designed primarily for dedicated middle school and high school runners who want to continue developing between their cross country and track seasons.
This is a more advanced training environment. Athletes should arrive with an established running background and be prepared to train consistently.
Winter Training is not intended as an introductory running program.
How do I know which program is right for my athlete?
As a general guide:
Newer or younger runners: JOXC and Summer Running are typically the best starting points.
Experienced middle school and high school runners: Advanced Summer and Winter programs may be more appropriate.
If you are unsure, contact us and we can help determine the best fit.
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How are athletes grouped?
Athletes are grouped primarily by ability, fitness, training experience, and developmental needs rather than simply by age.
This allows athletes to train with others who are working at an appropriate level.
Can athletes move between groups?
Yes.
Training groups are not permanent. Coaches may move athletes as fitness, experience, confidence, and training needs change throughout the season.
Moving groups is part of normal athlete development and should not be viewed as a promotion or demotion.
Will every athlete do the same workout?
Not always.
Athletes may train together while completing different distances, repetitions, paces, or volumes based on their age, ability, experience, and current development.
How often do athletes practice?
Most Kokopelli seasonal programs include approximately three coached practices per week.
Some advanced programs may also include additional independent training or a complete weekly training plan.
Exact schedules are listed on each program page.
Where are practices held?
Kokopelli operates programs in the Colorado Springs and Castle Rock areas.
Practice locations vary by program and season. Current locations and schedules are listed on the individual program pages.
What happens at a typical practice?
Practices vary depending on the athlete group and time of year, but may include:
Easy running
Running drills
Technique development
Interval training
Hills
Tempo or threshold running
Strength and mobility
Games and movement activities for younger athletes
Race preparation
Running education
What should athletes bring to practice?
Athletes should generally bring:
Running shoes
Appropriate clothing for the weather
Water
Any required medication
A positive attitude and willingness to participate
Do you practice in bad weather?
Running is an outdoor sport, and practices are generally held in a variety of weather conditions.
Practices may be modified, relocated, or canceled when conditions create a safety concern. Families will be notified when significant schedule changes are necessary.
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Are athletes required to race?
Race expectations depend on the program.
Competition is an important part of some Kokopelli programs, but we also recognize that athletes develop at different rates and have different goals.
Specific race expectations will be communicated for each program.
Does Kokopelli compete in USATF events?
Yes. Kokopelli participates in USATF competition when appropriate, including youth cross country opportunities.
Some competitions may require athletes to have an active USATF membership.
Does my athlete need to be fast to compete?
No.
Competition is an opportunity to learn, challenge yourself, measure progress, and celebrate the work that has been done in training.
Athletes do not need to be among the fastest runners to benefit from racing.
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How do I register?
Registration is completed online through the registration link on the appropriate program page.
Choose the program you would like to join and select Register to begin.
Is registration separate for each season?
Yes.
Programs are generally registered separately because schedules, ages, training structure, and availability change throughout the year.
What does the registration fee include?
What is included varies by program and will be clearly listed on the registration page.
Registration typically covers coached training and program administration. Race entry fees, uniforms, memberships, travel, or other expenses may be separate unless specifically stated otherwise.
Are refunds available?
Refund and cancellation policies vary by program but typically we do not offer refunds as we need to staff coaches for the entire season based on registration #’s.
Please review the policy provided during registration before completing payment.
How will parents and athletes receive updates?
Program communication may be delivered through email, Team App, or another designated team communication platform.
Families should make sure their contact information is current and that they are receiving team communications.
Where can I find schedules and program updates?
The website provides general program information.
Once registered, athletes and families may receive more detailed schedules, practice updates, race information, and team communication through the designated team communication platform, Stack Team App.
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What do you expect from athletes?
We expect athletes to:
Show up ready to participate
Treat teammates and coaches with respect
Give an appropriate effort
Listen and learn
Support their teammates
Communicate when something is wrong
Gradually take responsibility for their own training
We do not expect perfection.
What do you expect from parents?
We ask parents to help create a positive environment by supporting their athlete, respecting coaches and teammates, communicating appropriately, and allowing athletes to take increasing ownership of their running experience.
What if my athlete misses practice?
We understand that families are busy and athletes participate in other activities.
Missing an occasional practice is generally not a problem. For advanced programs, greater consistency may be expected because training builds progressively from week to week.
Can my athlete participate in other sports?
Absolutely.
We encourage young athletes to develop broadly and recognize the value of participating in multiple sports and activities.
As athletes become older and more competitive, coaches can help families understand how other activities fit into their training.
Who should I contact if I have a question?
Use the Contact Us page for general questions.
Once enrolled in a program, coaches will also provide information about the best way to communicate program-specific questions.
My child is interested. What should we do next?
Review the current Programs page and choose the season or program that best matches your athlete's age and experience.
From there:
Review the program description and requirements.
Confirm the dates, location, and schedule work for your family.
Complete online registration.
Watch for your confirmation and program communication.
Show up ready to run, learn, and be part of the Kokopelli community.
Still not sure which program is right?
Tell us your athlete's age, current running experience, and what they are looking for, and we will help point you in the right direction.