THUNDER PROGRAMS

Little Thunder is a developmentally appropriate introduction to track and field for athletes born between 2019 and 2022. This program focuses on light conditioning, basic fundamentals, and fun!

• Training & Coaching: Athletes meet one night per week for 45–60 minutes. They will learn the basics of sprints, shot put, long jump, and turbo javelin, coached by some of the top high school athletes in the Mid-Columbia region.
• Skill Development: Participants gain a foundational understanding of track etiquette while improving their speed and agility through age-appropriate games.
• Competition: Athletes have the opportunity to compete in local track meets hosted by Tri-City Thunder (please note that additional fees are required per event).

• Age Requirements: This program is strictly for those born between 2019 and 2022. Any athlete born before 2019 must register for our regular Thunder Track program; no exceptions will be made.
•  Registration Period: Little Thunder starts Monday, April 20th with registration closing Sunday, April 26th. 
• Program Transition: During the season, a Little Thunder athlete may request to move up to the Thunder Track program if they meet the following criteria:
  
  • The athlete will be 7 years old by the end of 2026.
  • A $35 transition fee must be paid to cover the program cost difference.
  • Transitions are subject to coach approval and available roster space.

Little Thunder  Program Fees 

Additional Club Information and Policies

Thunder Track & Field is open to athletes born between 2008 and 2018 (ages 8–18). Per USATF Junior Olympic rules, athletes born after July 26, 2007, are also eligible to compete in the 17/18 age category, provided they do not turn 19 before the final day of the National track meet.

This program is designed for both new and experienced athletes looking to elevate their skills. Participants will train with peers of similar age and ability while receiving instruction from the region’s premier coaching staff.

•  Registration Period: Thunder T&F starts Monday, April 20th with registration closing Sunday, June 7th in order to allow high school athletes time to join before the Junior Olympic qualifying meets.
• Practice/Season Length: Thunder T&F starts in mid-April and runs through the end of July*. Athletes are eligible to practice as long as they are still qualified to compete, i.e. qualifying for and competing in postseason track meets. *Once an athlete is no longer eligible to compete (based on qualifications mentioned above) their season is considered complete.
• High School Seniors: To support our graduating athletes, current high school seniors are eligible for a free Thunder membership. Please contact us before registering to receive your senior discount code.
• Middle & High Schoolers: Athletes currently competing for their schools are welcome to join our practices once their respective school seasons have concluded.
• Thunder XC: For athletes interested in cross country, the cost is already covered by your Thunder Track registration. There is no need to register or pay separately for the XC program if you are already signed up for the track season.

For more information, visit our New Member Guide.

Thunder T&F Program Fees 

Additional Club Information and Policies

Thunder XC is open to athletes born between 2008 and 2018. Our season typically kicks off in September and runs through November, peaking with the USATF Junior Olympic XC Championships in December.

• Automatic Enrollment: If you are registered for the Thunder Track program, your XC enrollment and fees are already covered. You can participate in the cross country season without needing to register or pay separately.
• Middle & High School Athletes: Just like our track program, athletes currently running for their school teams are invited to join our practices as soon as their school season concludes.
• Training Focus: This program provides a great opportunity for distance runners to maintain their fitness and compete on a regional and national level during the fall months.