Hellions XC Summer Training Program

Welcome to the Hellions XC Summer Training Program!

The Hellion Summer XC Training Program is an intensive and dynamic running camp designed to prepare boys for the upcoming cross-country season beginning in early September. The program runs from June 8 through July 31.

Training sessions will take place Monday through Friday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday mornings from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Incoming 7th and 8th grade student-athletes are invited to participate alongside our high school athletes.

Monday through Friday practices will be held at Tropical Park by the hill. Athletes should look for the Hellions tent and Hellion flag, which will mark the meeting location each day.

Saturday morning runs will rotate between several South Florida training locations, including:

Pinecrest Gardens

Key Biscayne Bridge

Vista View Park

This rotation allows athletes to experience different terrain and develop strength and endurance across a variety of running environments.

From July 1 through July 13, several of our top athletes and coaches will be attending Hell Week in Flagstaff, Arizona, a high-altitude training experience. During this time, summer practices will still continue as scheduled and will be led by Hellions alumni athletes, who will help guide and mentor the team.

The program is led by experienced coaches, including Coach Danny Areces, Coach Christopher Ventura, and Coach Christopher Garcia, who work together to provide a structured and progressive training plan aimed at optimizing each athlete’s fitness and performance.

Athletes will be placed into training groups based on their grade level and experience. Each group will follow a different training plan, with weekly mileage, volume, and workout intensity adjusted appropriately for the athlete’s age and development level. This structure ensures that younger athletes build a strong aerobic foundation while older and more experienced runners are challenged with higher-level training designed to prepare them for the upcoming cross-country season.

Beyond the workouts, the summer program places a strong emphasis on team culture, leadership, and camaraderie. Athletes will build meaningful connections with their teammates in an environment that encourages accountability, growth, and support.

Throughout the summer, Hellions alumni and collegiate runners will also join practices to run with the athletes and share their experiences competing at the next level. These interactions provide valuable insight and inspiration for younger runners beginning their own journeys in the sport.

The Hellions XC Summer Training Program focuses not only on physical development, but also on the mental and social aspects of distance running. By the end of the summer, athletes will be stronger, more confident, and better prepared for the demands of the upcoming cross-country season.

We look forward to a summer of hard work, growth, and building the Hellions tradition.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Coach Daniel Areces, Coach Christopher Ventura, & Coach Christopher Garcia