The Cascade Striders are headed to San Antonio, Texas this week for the United States Track and Field Youth Cross Country Championships, after qualifying at the Pacific Northwest Regional event.

Katherine Forsberg of Bellevue was the highest individual finisher at regionals in the 11-12 year old girls division in 16th place.

Coach Joe Johnson said competing at Nationals is always a thrill for youngsters and coaches alike, and helping the athletes manage the environment will be a key.

“They are far from home and really connect much more strongly as a team,” he said. “They are relying on each other on the course, behaving at a level you typically only see in high school and college.”

The Cascade Striders are a youth running club based in Bellevue for youngsters competing in cross country and track and field.

Runners competing from Bellevue are:

Paul Secheyron, 7

Emily DeJarlais, 10

Benny Brudnak, 9

Rayjin Olson, 9

Alex Stramann, 12

Jane Andersen, 12

Kate Forsberg, 11

Lauren Barkley, 11

Ruben Luthra, 12

Tom Secheyron, 12

Gannon Forsberg, 11

Joe Andersen, 11