2026 Track & Field
Come join the fun!

Spring Track Syllabus

The syllabus includes the meet schedule, meet and practice information, and abbreviated information around essential topics pertinent to runners. This spring 2026 syllabus is the first of its kind for the program, and I can think of a thousand things I could change within the file, but for now, it’ll work. Please reach out if you have questions. - Dave

Registrations

Come join the fun this spring, as the runners of Whisper compete in track and field meets around the Portland-metro area. See the 2026 season schedule below, or visit our athletic.net page. To register, see “How to begin training with Whisper” and “How to begin competing with Whisper” below.

2026 TRACK & FIELD SCHEDULE (check back for additional meets coming soon!)
INDOOR
Fri-Sun, Feb 20-22, STCU TF Championships, Spokane, WA (results)
Thur-Sun, Mar 12-15, Nike Indoor Nationals, New York (results)

OUTDOOR
Sat, Feb 28, Wildwood Miles for Girls + Women (results)
Sat, Mar 14, Whisper Twilight (results)
Fri-Sat, Apr 3-4, Oregon Relays (results)
Thur-Fri, April 23-24, Nike/Jesuit Twilight Relays (MS B/G 4x800m only) (results)
Sat, April 25, Sherwood Youth Club Meet (results)
Sat, May 2, Rising Stars Challenge (info)
Fri, May 8, Oregon Twilight - MS Mile only (info)
Sat, May 9, Tigard Youth Club Meet (info)
Fri, May 15, Oregon Meet of Champions - Oregon residents only (info)
Fri-Sat, May 22-23, BYTC Blast (info)
Sat-Sun, June 6-7, Portland Track Festival Youth Meet (info)
Sat, June 13, Albina-Vancouver (info)
*# Thur-Sun, June 19-22, Nike Outdoor Nationals (info)
* indicates middle school and/or high school grade only.
# must have a qualifying time or mark to register

Track & Field Registration is $99. Meets are $25-$60 each.

How to begin Training with whisper

Annual Training Membership Annual Training Membership Annual Training Membership Annual Training Membership
Annual Training Membership
from $999.00

This registration provides access to all training sessions for 365 days from date of purchase. Whisper training includes running training, mobility and Yoga training, aqua-jogging, nutrition seminars, and a sport psychology curriculum, all within a team atmosphere.

Whisper Running typically offers 4-5 training sessions per week during Winter Training and Summer Training sessions. During the spring and fall months, 3-4 training sessions per week will be offered, plus some weekend meets (separate registration fee).

Registration price reflects the runners current grade:

  • $1,599: Grades 7 and under at the start of a calendar year may train with Whisper year-round.

  • $1,599: Grade 8 through December 31.

  • $1,299: Grade 8 starting January 1, training with Whisper until the start of 9th grade XC season, at which time they will train solely with their HS team until their HS season concludes.

  • $999: All HS-age runners. 9th-11th grade runners may train with Whisper during their off-seasons, which is November-February, and June-August.

This fee only includes training and does not include:

  • Registration into track & field and cross-country meets, which will be sold separately

  • Registration into local road races sponsored by Whisper (Lake to Bay)

  • Travel expenses (food, hotel, airfare, etc.)

  • Shoes and running apparel

  • Uniforms & Warm-Ups

Again, this membership is for training only. Training typically spans 50-52 weeks per year.

Follow the steps below to complete training registration. NOTE: There are two training registration options: Annual Training Membership or Runcard. You only need one of the two registrations to begin training with Whisper.

Spring/Fall Training Runcard
Spring/Fall Training Runcard
$149.00

Why a Runcard?

For the on-the-go families, the Runcard offers an alternate solution to those wishing to train when their schedule allows. Runcard’s are for runners familiar with Whisper Running group training, offering training two to three times each week during the Spring and Fall months. Check out the calendar page to see if this format works for your families schedule. Training type will be predicated on attendance, ability levels, and training history. One Runcard is good for eight practices. Runcard’s expire three months after the first date of use.

Refund note: barring an injury at the fault of a Whisper employee or practice (i.e., a runner gets tripped-up at practice during intervals and falls, causing an injury, leading to the inability to participate long-term), there are no refunds. If your child cannot attend practice for any reason (i.e., illness, outside obligations, or an injury unrelated to Whisper training/personnel), there are still no refunds.

  1. Connect with Coach Dave

  2. Complete the online Waiver & Liability form.

  3. Registration options:

    1. Annual Training Membership - Most economical, providing access to all training sessions including Winter and Summer Training programs, as well as training in the Spring and Fall months. Membership begins on the day of purchase, expires in 365 days, and may not be refunded.

    2. Runcard - Eight training sessions for $149 during spring (Mar-June) and fall months (Aug-Dec). $189 during winter (Jan-Mar) and summer months (June-Aug).

If your child would like to compete on the team, see “How to begin competing with Whisper” below.

how to begin competing with whisper

If your child would like to race with Whisper, the following steps will need to be completed:

Track & Field Season Registration Track & Field Season Registration
Track & Field Season Registration
$99.00

The $99 registration fee, plus the $33 USATF registration fee, opens the door to a season of possibilities! Runners may participate in any or all of the meets on the athletic.net page (some meets they must have a qualifying time to participate). We typically have 8-12 track meets throughout the season. Some meets require a qualifying time to participate. While Whisper Running generally does not participate in USATF Junior Olympics Track Meets, some runners may wish to participate in the JO series. Coach Dave can register runners into JO races and runners may race for Whisper in track JO meets.

Most meets will cost $25 per meet, with the Nike/UO meet costing as much as $60 per event. Meet registrations are handled on a week by week basis.

  • USATF REGISTRATION: Register with USATF (Whisper Team Code #36-0310 - $33/year). Note: This step takes up to 48 hours to process once a copy of your child’s birth certificate has been uploaded to their USATF profile. Aim to have this done within 7 days of their first race with Whisper.

  • WHISPER SEASON REGISTRATION: Register with Whisper (link at right). This fee helps cover coaches travel and expenses, as well as uniform replacements. Uniforms are free to borrow for the season, but must be returned at the conclusion of the season. Unreturned uniforms are $129.

  • MEET REGISTRATION: Communicate with Coach Dave that your child is available to race.  Between Coach Dave and your child, race events will be chosen.  Parent or Coach Dave (or athlete) may register the athlete on athletic.net.  To do so, connect your child’s athletic.net profile with our team through the Athletic.net App by going to https://anet.io/NP6X2BGU8 (to download the app), then signing up with our team code: NP6X2BGU8.

    • Click here to add athletes/parents to team (on athletic.net) via team code.

    • Click here to claim your athlete bio.

    • Click here to learn how to pay meet entry fee.

See our Join the Team Q & A blog post FAQ responses.

Annual Training Membership Annual Training Membership Annual Training Membership Annual Training Membership
Annual Training Membership
from $999.00

This registration provides access to all training sessions for 365 days from date of purchase. Whisper training includes running training, mobility and Yoga training, aqua-jogging, nutrition seminars, and a sport psychology curriculum, all within a team atmosphere.

Whisper Running typically offers 4-5 training sessions per week during Winter Training and Summer Training sessions. During the spring and fall months, 3-4 training sessions per week will be offered, plus some weekend meets (separate registration fee).

Registration price reflects the runners current grade:

  • $1,599: Grades 7 and under at the start of a calendar year may train with Whisper year-round.

  • $1,599: Grade 8 through December 31.

  • $1,299: Grade 8 starting January 1, training with Whisper until the start of 9th grade XC season, at which time they will train solely with their HS team until their HS season concludes.

  • $999: All HS-age runners. 9th-11th grade runners may train with Whisper during their off-seasons, which is November-February, and June-August.

This fee only includes training and does not include:

  • Registration into track & field and cross-country meets, which will be sold separately

  • Registration into local road races sponsored by Whisper (Lake to Bay)

  • Travel expenses (food, hotel, airfare, etc.)

  • Shoes and running apparel

  • Uniforms & Warm-Ups

Again, this membership is for training only. Training typically spans 50-52 weeks per year.

Annual Training Membership

The Annual Training Membership (ATM) is a year-round training package for committed runners aiming to compete at their most optimal level of performance. The Annual takes the place of a Runcard, enabling your child to attend any and all training sessions. If your child plans to attend both Winter Training and Summer Training, as well as training sessions in the spring and fall months, then the package is the most economical way to go. Please talk with your child to gauge their desire and commitment level before purchasing. See below for rates:

  • Currently in grade 9, 10, or 11 - $999

  • Currently in grade 8 - $1,299

  • Currently in grade 5, 6, or 7 - $1,599

  • Currently in grade 12 - since our child will be graduating in June, there is no need to purchase an Annual Training Membership. A Winter Training registration or Runcard will still be required.

  • Runners in grades 3-5 are on a case-by-case basis. During Winter Training, most 8-10 year old runners will train on Monday & Wednesday evenings only.

  • Rates include team registration fee (if your child is an Annual member, racing is implied).

The varying rates reflect contact time. 9th-12th grade runners may perform all off-season and pre-season workouts with Whisper, then they train and compete with their school program once their seasons officially begin. Once their season(s) conclude, they may then resume with Whisper. 8th grade runners may train and compete with Whisper until the start of their freshman year of high school, at which time they will train and compete solely with their school program. Once their season conclude, they may then resume with Whisper. 5th-7th grade runners may train and compete with Whisper year-round.

Installments are welcomed. Please talk with Coach Dave about payment options.

It’s important to communicate that I understand financial hardships, and at this time, our non-profit is not yet established to accept applications for sponsoring runners. If you have 2+ children interested in the Annual Training Membership, the first child is full price, while any additional child is 15% off the lowest rate.

uniforms, warm-ups, and travel

Uniforms: Included with registration as season rentals. Uniform replacement is $129.

Warm-Ups: The optional warm-up set is $150 and includes a jacket and sweat bottoms.

Travel: One of the many considerations when joining any program is the expense of travel. Parents are responsible for their child’s travel to and from all practice and meet events. The Whisper Calendar may include information on travel, such as meet location, mode of travel, lodging, food options and more, particularly and as we near the JO meets. A sincere effort is made to help reduce costs by seeking team booking discounts at nearby hotels of the events when necessary. Additionally, during the JO season, team dinners are always encouraged, as they provide a time for the runners to get to know one another beyond the sport of running.

The team goal for Whisper is to compete in the USATF or AAU National Cross Country Meet in December and we would love for your child to participate with us! If you have any questions about competing, training, joining the team, or anything else related to Whisper, please contact Coach Dave using the Contact link at the top-right of this page or via email. Thank you!

1-on-1 Session 1-on-1 Session
1-on-1 Session
$60.00

The goals for one-on-one training sessions include:

  • Teach the fundamentals of foot strike, efficiency, and rhythm

  • Perform general workout highlighting work and rest intervals

  • Integrate at least one Psychological Skill, likely Goal Setting

  • Provide a sense of achievement and potential

In order to achieve these objectives, we will review and discuss the athletes current statistics based on the results posted onto athletic.net. Next, we will perform a general warm-up including drills, a workout and a cool-down. The next phase, post one-on-one sessions, is to integrate the athlete into regular group training sessions.

1-on-1

The goals for one-on-one training depend on the need of the client. Most sessions include the review of foot strike fundamentals and body positioning through video analysis, a light workout so we can practice these fundamentals, and drills to work on throughout their time running.

EXTRA, EXTRA!

2025 in Review: A youth movement is on the way, but not before an outstanding senior class departs! Following a stellar HS contingent of XC and track participants, Whisper had a smashing XC season! See the Year in Review video!

2024 in Review: A ridiculously talented group of high school runners led the charge in 2024, with ~25 state qualifiers, and a trip to JO’s in Shelbyville, IN! See the 2024 Year in Review video!

2023 in Review: Whisper continues growing post-COVID, with it’s largest contingent of runners reppin’ Whisper at USATF Junior Olympic XC Nationals! See the Year in Review video!

2022 in Review: There’s been a youth movement at Whisper, with a strong contingent of returning runners for Junior Olympics. See the 2022 Year in Review video!

2020 JO’s: 2020 came out swingin’, but Whisper fought back, providing a safe place for training, companionship, personal running challenges, and long-lasting memories. Check out the highlights from 2020, as well as the results from the National USATF JO races!

2019 JO’s: See highlights from the 2019 year of training, racing, and USATF JO experiences, including the final race of the year in Madison, Wisconsin! Click to see Team Whisper results from the Association, Region, and National meets!

2018 JO’s: Check-out the latest video created by Lindsay Owen, highlighting the 2018 year of training, racing, and USATF JO experiences! Click on the respective links to see Team Whisper results from the 2018 Association, Region, and National meets!

2017 JO’s: Check-out the video created by Lindsay Owen, sister of Candi Owen, who was a participant on the 2017 National team! Click on the respective links to see Team Whisper results from the 2017 Association, Region, and National meets!