Cross Country Meets to Have New Location

Starting next month, Williamson County high school cross country students will be hitting the soft grass trails at the historic Park at Harlinsdale.

Williamson County Cross Country High School Coaches recently approached the Franklin Parks Department with the idea to bring four district meets to the park in September and October and an invitational meet to happen in late October.  The farm will provide a challenge for the runners as the terrain varies on each course.

“The Franklin Parks Department is very excited about the opportunity to partner with Williamson County Schools and provide the home field for the 2010 men’s and women’s cross country teams this season,” said Parks Director Lisa Clayton.  “The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is the perfect venue to provide 3K, 5K and 8K race routes for the schools.”

“The City of Franklin was gracious to let us help in the development of the tracks and we are just thrilled to have all seven high schools included in the races there," said Franklin High School Cross Country Coach David Dickerson.  "We hope this will be one of the premier running events in the South.”

The high school course (5K) has been identified and is in the process of being certified through the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association.  The dates and events that have been established for high school cross country events this fall are:

District Meets (7-8 schools)  4 p.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday

• September 8 and September 22

• October 6 and October 13

Invitational Meet (up to 10 schools) 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

• October 23