As told by John Rodman:

In the Spring of 2007 after having just resigned my cross country and track coaching positions at Lincoln High School a few years earlier, I was looking to find ways I could continue to give back to the sport of running and hopefully inspire young children to explore an activity I was passionate about. I had been teaching at Harvey Dunn Elementary for a few years and had started a successful after school running club for my students. It was not enough. I wanted more kids to experience the sport of running and more specifically cross country.

I approached the Sioux Falls Area Running Club about adding a youth cross country series to their schedule beginning in the Fall of 2007. It was unanimously approved and what started out with around 100 kids per race, has increased to an average of 200 and upwards of 300 on few occasions. I have observed 7, 8 and 9 year olds get their introduction to running at these meets and years later continue to run. We have had South Dakota State Cross Country champs compete in our meets and even an NCAA all-American.

The most important thing that I hope continues to happen is that by participating in these meets young kids learn to value physical activity and carry that over into their adult lives. I owe so much to the sport of running and it has and continues to bring me great joy. As we celebrate the 20th year of this series this Fall (2026), I would be remiss not to mention all the great support we have had over the years to make all this possible. The countless volunteers from the Sioux Falls Area Run Club have been instrumental in all the success of the program. Sioux Falls Park and Rec joined us after our first 8 years and have been a great partner and do a wonderful job of helping us market the program. We have also had great sponsors over the years that help with offsetting expenses. Runners Block and 605 Running Company are two that have graciously given back to the sport.

Finally seeing all the kids and supportive families attend the 3 meets each Fall continues to inspire myself and the volunteers to help put these meets on. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!