top of page

GCR YOUTH PROGRAM

2025 GCR XC Meet Start.png

Building Strong Runners & Confident Kids

Through expert coaching, positive encouragement, and age-appropriate training, the Gulf Coast Runners Youth Development Program helps children build confidence, develop healthy habits, and discover a lifelong love of running. Whether your child is taking their very first lap or training to compete, there's a place for every young runner.

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE GCR

Our program is designed to meet the needs of the beginner, intermediate, and elite competitive runner. The season framework follows a sequential progression for body mechanics of running, recovery, nutrition, and competition strategies. Additionally, the sessions include team-building, goal setting, and sportsmanship activities. Our club’s vision is to develop the young runner’s skills and confidence to participate at the high school, college, or community level. 

​

Our program has three seasons (Fall XC, Spring Track & Field, and Summer Run For Fun) overseen by our partnership with Elevate Training. 

elevate-june-2022-41.jpg

MEET OUR COACHES

Whether your child is taking their first steps into running or preparing for their next season of competition, we'd love to welcome your family to Gulf Coast Runners.

Coach Justin Moomaw Headshot

Middle School Youth Team Coordinator/ Coach

“Coach Moo”, has been a fixture in the running Southwest Florida running community over the past 17 years.   He currently serves as a Collier County Public Schools cross country and track and field coach, owner and head coach of Elevate Performance Training, the Gulf Coast Runners youth team liaison and coach, and as an active member of the Gulf Coast Runners club and its Board of Directors.  Coach specializes in working with prep runners and developing the plans (and the passion!) that springboard them towards their goals.  He started his training and coaching group, Elevate Performance Training, in the summer of 2015 following his level 1 certification from USA Track and Field. Elevate “Running IQ Camp” kicked off with about a dozen runners that June. The principles had instant results, producing both an Individual State Champion and team State Runner-up that Fall! Since then, Coach Moomaw has coached 4 runners to the Naples Daily News all decade team, 2 winged foot scholar-athletes, 4 different adult qualifiers for the Boston Marathon (including himself) and has had almost 100 youth athletes go on to the state meet. He now trains individuals and groups of all ages, from the speed/agility drills for sprinters to the ultramarathon. Coach Moomaw prides himself on staying up with the latest technology, innovations, running related products, training regimens, and recovery practices to help each of his runners reach their ultimate potential.

Run for Fun girls Mile.jpg

SUMMER RUN FOR FUN

Big Fun. Little Runners.

Keep kids moving this summer with Gulf Coast Runners’ free six-week running program for ages 3–14. All abilities are welcome—just bring your energy and get ready to run!

JOIN THE GULF COAST RUNNERS
YOUTH PROGRAM

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

© 2026 Gulf Coast Runners. All Rights Reserved.

bottom of page