State Cross Country Championships
Hosted by Bozeman Track Club

Saturday, November 6, 2004 the USATF Montana State Cross Country Championships will return to Bozeman on the breathtaking course of Bridger Creek Golf Course.

Nestled in the foothills of the Jim Bridger Mountain Range, the cross-country championships is the only competition held on the golf course with exception to the M.S.U. Invitational. No high school or middle school races are held on the course during the season. As a result, it's hungry for the pounding feet of young runners from across the state. It offers a variety of terrain that is situated in a spectacular setting and all running courses are run almost entirely on groomed turf.

Hosted by the Bozeman Track Club, the state cross-country championships will be held on four different courses (i.e., 3K, 4K, 5K, and 8K) with three age groups for "Junior Olympic", "Open" and "Masters". Medals are awarded to the top ten individuals in each of five age divisions in the Junior Olympic age group with medals to the top three finishers in the "Open" and "Masters" age groups. State Champion medals will also be awarded to the top male and female athlete in each age group. Long sleeve T-shirts, hats, and running apparel will be available for sale with water bottles and an assortment of prizes to be presented to participants.

The top ten individuals and top team in each Junior Olympic age division will automatically qualify for the Junior Olympic National Cross Country Championships to be held on Saturday, December 11, 2004 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Cross-country teams must be members of a USATF sanctioned club. Check the website for sanctioned clubs in your area.

Entry forms may be postmarked by no later than Saturday, October 30, 2004. A late fee of $5 will be charged thereafter until Wednesday, November 3, 2004 at which time no entries will be accepted thereafter. There is no race day entry. A 2004 USATF membership is necessary for all participants. Applications applied for after November 1, 2004 will be valid for the entire 2005 season and may be applied for on Friday evening at the Bozeman Comfort Inn, or Saturday morning prior to the start of competition.

Don't wait! Register early!

For more information contact Dave Skelton at bztkclub@mcn.net or review the Association's website at www.mtusatf.org under the "Junior Olympic" web page.

See all of you in November!

(By Dave Skelton, September 22, 2004)