2026 | New Energy Youth Running Team by Tidewater Striders

         2026 Spring Training

TRAINING IS FREE TO CLUB MEMBERS

PLAN TO JOIN the Tidewater Striders' New Energy Youth Running Team
New Energy is an informal youth group training together to improve their times in road races as well as their performance in track and field and cross-country events sanctioned by the USA Track and Field (USATF) and AAU. Motivations vary from those who simply enjoy running, to those who are goal-oriented and recognize the need to train in order to perform well in races. With its group approach to running practices, New Energy provides a fun, sociable forum for running preparation and development.

New Energy welcomes all youth runners, ages 5-19, regardless of ability. Practices are informal, and participants are encouraged to attend as many as possible. Runners must have a good pair of running shoes to avoid injuries. Uniforms, Warm-ups, and other gear can be purchased, but are optional. Membership in the Tidewater Striders is required by the third practice to participate in sessions and compete on a team basis in Track and Relay teams. The cost is $12.00 per year or $18.00 for two years.

Coaching is provided by volunteers who are Tidewater Striders members. Again this year, Amber Garwood will provide program leadership, while Kari and Will Tallent will provide weekly training specs. Other running enthusiasts/parents will also participate. New Energy provides youth runners and their families an enriching environment that can be a building block to the youth runner's future.

In the past, New Energy runners attended National Cross Country and Track and Field Championships around the Country. Many previous New Energy runners are currently participating with high school and college teams where they have excelled in Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track, and Field with All-State and National recognition. New Energy has produced numerous All-American medalists, State Champs, and one National Champion in Cross Country.

SPRING TRAINING VENUE DETAILS:

Virginia Beach Training Site: Starts March 10th, 2026 & ends June 4th, 2026 – Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Meet at Mt. Trashmore next to the skate park. Lead site Coach: Thomas Hicks – orangerunning@yahoo.com

Chesapeake Training Site: Starts March 10th, 2026 & ends June 4th, 2026 – Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30 –6:30 pm. Meet at Chesapeake City Park at the cabana opposite the skate park. Lead Site Coach: Frank Scaringello frank.scaringello@gmail.com & Kelly Mick – kellywmick@gmail.com

Suffolk Training Site: Starts March 9th, 2026 & ends June 4th, 2026 – Mondays & Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Meet at Sleepy Hole Park, near the Playground/Picnic Area.  Lead Site Coach: Kari Tallent – karidrescher@gmail.com

Norfolk Training Site: Starts March 12th, 2026 & ends June 4th, 2026 – Thursdays  5:30 – 6:30 pm.  Meet at Lakewood Park in the first parking lot on the left after passing the Park Office. Lead Site Coach: Dave McDonald – Dave@mediationhamptonroads.com

P.O.W.E.R Training Site (Mt. Trashmore, VB): Starts March 10th, 2026 & ends June 2nd, 2026 – Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Meets at Mt. Trashmore near Kids Cove opposite the skate park. P.O.W.E.R. (Program Of Wonderfully Exceptional Runners) is an outreach running program designed especially for children with exceptional needs. Lead Site Coach: Michael Beaverse - onmylongrun@gmail.com 

YOUTH GRAND PRIX:

The Youth Grand Prix is for Tidewater Striders members 16 or under.  All races will be 5k or 1-mile events.

YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR THE YGP BEFORE THE FIRST RACE OF THE SEASON OR WHEN YOU FIRST SIGN UP IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/VirginiaBeach/TidewaterStriderYouthGrandPrixSignUp

Youth Grand Prix Page: www.tidewaterstriders.com/2025-grand-prix