Nike Clark Family Running Camp at The Pennington School
Average Rating Stars
Train with 3 time Olympian Hazel Clark!
2024 Dates Announced!
At the Clark Family Running Camp we understand the importance of proper training and educating young runners. We work with High School athletes (including rising 9th graders) of all abilities to help you get better.
Located in Pennington, NJ, The Pennington School offers the perfect setting for both our XC and T&F training programs. This beautiful 54 acre campus offers running trails, an outdoor track and turf field, as well as being located a short distance from Rosedale Park for morning training runs for our XC campers!
The Nike Clark Family Running camp is directed and facilitated by its original creators and members of the royal family of track and field, the Clark Family. Hazel Clark, Joetta Clark and Jearl Miles Clark have 12 Olympic teams to their credit, and made history when they swept the 2000 Olympic trials under the coaching of world class coach JJ Clark, brother of Hazel and Joetta, and husband to Jearl Miles Clark.
Highlights Include
- Choose from XC or Track and Field
- No Pole Vault or Javelin in 2023
- Open to High School XC and T&F athletes (including rising freshmen)
- Overnight and Extended Day options
- Individual and Group instruction
- Specific training for all skill levels.
- 10:1 camper to staff ratio
- Nike Running Camp T-shirt
- View More Details ⟩
Camp Coaches
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Camp Director Hazel Clark
Hazel Clark is an American middle-distance runner who specializes in the 800 meters middle distance race. Clark was a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 2000, 2004 and 2008. She has won six national titles and two USA Olympic Trials events during her career.
View Hazel's Bio & Cross Country Tips ⟩
Camp Details
SECURE YOUR SPOT!
You can expect high demand on these first-come-first-serve camper spots, so please be sure to register early.
The Clark Family has designed a comprehensive training camp program which focuses on fundamentals including drills, technical skill development, pacing, endurance, and core strengthening, as well as the mental edge necessary for top performances.
The Clark Family Running Camp allows Olympians, elite athletes and world class coaches to positively impact the lives of young athletes in an unprecedented way.
These camps transcend athletics and provide campers with the tools necessary to be a champion.
Hazel Clark states that “the Clark Family Running Camps offer expert instruction from our staff of Olympic stars in a challenging, fun and inspiring environment. Track and Field has given us amazing opportunities and we look forward to positioning upcoming athletes for ultimate success.”
2024 OVERVIEW
- Dates: July 21-25, 2024. Join the Priority List to be the first to know when registration opens!
- Age Group: 13-17
- Gender: Co-ed
- Camp Type: Overnight, Day
- Meals: All meals are provided at the on-campus dining facility. Day campers do NOT receive breakfast or dinner
CAMP SCHEDULE
- Check-in (Overnight only): Sunday, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
- Check-out (All campers): Thursday, 12:00 PM
- Location: Campus Center- Pennington School
- Day Camper Schedule: Monday-Wednesday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM; Thursday, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM
- View the campus map here
EVENTS AVAILABLE
- Sprints
- Hurdles
- Jumps (No Pole Vault)
- Throws (No Javelin)
- Middle Distance
- Distance/Cross Country
PREPARE FOR CAMP: COMPLETE YOUR PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST
To view your customer account, complete your mandatory forms, pay balance dues, and review important camp information, visit Pre-Camp Checklist.
All necessary camp information is on this page. If there are any imperative changes prior to camp start, registered campers will be notified via email and this webpage will be updated!
HOUSING
- Dorm: Assigned at check in
- Campers Per Room: 2
- Roommates: Guaranteed if requested 14 days prior to camp
- Bathrooms: Shared on floor
- Linens: Not provided
- Air Conditioning: No, fan recommended
- Key Deposit: We require a $25 room key deposit, made by check, payable to US Sports Camps. Your check will be held the duration of the camp, and will be returned at camp check-out, contingent the room key is returned.
Staff members reside in campers’ quarters and participate in all activities.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE FEES:
- Overnight Campers: Features several instructional sessions per day, three hot meals, and lodging in residence halls. An evening recreation program is also included.
- Day Campers: This option offers the same features as the resident camp minus lodging, breakfast, and dinner (Day Campers should eat breakfast before daily check-in).
INSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT & FACILITY
- Ratio: 1:10
- Grouped by: age, ability, current mileage, and XC experience
- Equipment needed: Campers should bring at least two pairs of broken in running shoes. Racing flats/spikes are optional. Please be sure to properly mark your equipment, so that it can be easily identified.
- Facility: Pennington School, local roads and trails
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING:
Below is a suggested list of clothes, equipment and personal items. US Sports Camps is NOT responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.
ALL CAMPERS:
- Extra Athletic clothing
- 1-2 pairs of broken in running shoes/ event spikes
- Non-running shoes
- Water bottle
- Sunblock
- Small gym bag/backpack
- Extra spending money (suggested $40)
OVERNIGHT CAMPERS ONLY:
- Athletic clothing mentioned above
- Comfortable non-running clothing
- Underwear and socks
- Pajamas/sleepwear
- Flip flops
- Toiletries
- Personal items & medications
- Washcloth and bath towel
- Alarm clock
- Swimsuit and towel
- Flip-flops
- Pen and paper for notes during guest speakers
- Cell phone (if you have one)
- Fan (optional)
- Pillow, pillowcase, bed sheets, comforter or sleeping bag (linens are NOT provided)
- Laundry detergent
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is not provided. Campers are responsible for getting to and from camp on their own. There is no supervision before or after camp hours so please make arrangements to pick up your child on time.
MEDICAL PROTOCOL
Most camps have an athletic trainer on-site to help with illness or injury. In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital.
COMPANY POLICIES
For information regarding our cancellation policy and all other company policies, please visit USSC Policies.
NIKE CROSS COUNTRY CAMP FAQ
For general questions about our Cross Country camps please see our FAQ page.
Fun Facts about the Clark Family
- Hazel Clark is a three-time Olympian and the founder of Future Olympian Sports Clinics and US Embassy appointed sports envoy.
- The late Dr. Joe Clark is the patriarch of the family and the subject of the movie Lean On Me.
- Joetta Clark Diggs is a four-time Olympian and the founder of the JCD Sports Foundation.
- Jearl Miles Clark is a five-time Olympian and American Record Holder.
- JJ Clark is a 22 time Coach of the Year, a member of the 2008 Olympic team coaching staff, and is the Franklin P. Johnson Director of Track and Field at Stanford University, overseeing Stanford’s track and field and cross country programs. Coach Clark has coached numerous NCAA champions, national champions, national team members and world class athletes.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 7:00am Wake Up
- 7:30am Breakfast
- 8:45am Group Check In
- 9:00am Depart to Rosedale Park (XC Campers)
- 9:30am Warm-up/Stretching/Drills
- 10:00am Training Run/Work Out
- 11:00am Cool Down/Stretching/Water Break
- 11:30am Return to The Pennington School (XC)
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch
- 1:00pm - 1:30pm Free Time
- 1:30pm - 2:30pm Breakout Session and/or Guest Speaker
- 2:30pm - 3:30pm Drills/Core Strength
- 3:30pm - 5:00pm Pool / Rest
- 5:00pm - 7:30pm Dinner/Free Time
- 7:30pm - 8:30pm Camp Activity
- 9:00pm Dorm Rooms/Bed Check
- 10:00pm Lights Out
Founded in 1838, The Pennington School encompasses 54 acres complete with an outdoor track and nearby running trails. Located just 40 miles from Philadelphia and 60 from NYC, Pennington is centrally located with easy access for our campers coming from across the Northeast. Overnight campers stay in the air conditioned dorms on campus and eat in the school's dining hall. Lunch and dinner are included for our extended day campers.
Camp Questions & Answers
Are the campers supervised throughout the camp?
Yes, campers are supervised by the coaches and staff. Staff members reside in the same dorms as the campers and provide supervision during instruction, dining times, evening activities, and in the dorm.
All staff members complete criminal and sex offender background checks before working the camp
Does this camp have medical personnel on staff?
We have a certified athletic training on-site and a doctor on-call at all times in case of a training injury or medical ailment/emergency.
How many campers are placed in a dorm and do you accommodate roommate requests?
Most rooms are doubles though we do have some singles and triples. When you register for the camp, you have an option to submit a roommate request. If you would like to add a roommate request after registering for a camp, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We accommodate all roommate requests, made before 2 weeks before the start of camp, if placed in a double room dorm. If we must place the camper in a single, we will room them side by side. Campers who do not submit a roommate request will be placed in a dorm with other runners, similar age and same gender.
Do the dorms have air-conditioning?
Dorms are air-conditioned.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Campers dine in the school cafeteria which offers a variety of different meal options that are sure to accommodate most campers’ dietary needs. In the case that a camper possesses extreme dietary restrictions, please reach out to school’s Dining Services to make the proper accommodations.
Can I come to camp alone or do I have to be a member of a team?
We welcome individual campers and teams. If you come to camp by yourself, we place you in a dorm room with another single camper, similar in age. It's a great place to meet new friends who share your enthusiasm for the sport and to have FUN!
Does the Health & Release Form need to be signed by a doctor?
Our Health & Release Form does not require a doctor’s signature. This form is required to be filled out accurately, signed by the parent (guardian), and submitted online before arrival on the first day of camp.
There are swimming sessions listed on the schedule if my child can’t swim will there be alternate opportunities for training?
We have numerous cross training workout options
My child is new to the sport, do you accept athletes who are beginners in the sport?
XC session - camp participants should have some cross country running experience and be able to run a minimum of 3-5 miles per day.
T&F session - athletes of all experience/ability are welcome.
Camp Reviews
Overall Average Rating Stars
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Good sportsmanship
My daughter enjoyed the balance of training with social/recreational activities. She also loved the coach
— Parent of Attendee from This Camp in 2022
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Worth the trip
i would really recommend this camp to other because its not only hard work but i learned a lot and i can say even though i was sore everyday i learned that sore today strong tomorrow if you dont put in the work you wont be successful and hazel clarke along with her family and staff really showed that it takes a lot of work to be great in the sport oh plus the food is good i traveled all the way from the bahamas it was worth the trip
— Tanae N., Camper
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8th grade camper and will return in 2022!!
[My camper] learned so much at camp. Camp provided her with additional tools and confidence heading into the 2021 XC season. She continues to use the fundamentals taught on every run she does. Thank you for this camp, she can't wait to go back!!
— Steven Abbott, Toms River NJ, Parent
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Improved skills and technique
This Nike running camp was by far the BEST training camp my son could have attended. It improved his skills in sprinting and technique in the field events to prepare him for HS. He will be back! - Very happy parent
— Dianne M., Camper
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More supervision in food lines
There was not enough food for those at the end of the lines. There was a simultaneous camp of younger kids who went first each day and took large amounts of food they threw out. If there are simultaneous day camps again, they need more supervision in the food lines. Also might be nice to separate middle school and high school ages to let the older kids socialize in peace.
— Lindsey C., Camper
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Couldn't be happier
I was a varisty runner going into camp, but I still learned SO MUCH. It was incredible. I made a lot of great friends, I was challenged and educated, taught how to be a champion, and encouraged to be faster, better, and more efficient. I couldn't be happier with this camp.
— Amanda R., Camper
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Should cover more events
Perhaps an opportunity for the kids to cover a few events. Also if there was some more advanced information about how the camp would run, I think my daugter would have gotten more out of the camp earlier in the week. For example, she choose to focus on jumping the first day and didnt realize it wouldnt be more balanced with other events.
— Gina M., Parent
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Clark family was inspirational
My daughter was very nervous about going to the camp and was concerned that the other athletes would be in better shape. However the staff was wonderful, encouraging and made her feel comfortable right off the bat. She actually surprised herself by doing well and had a blast. The Clark Family was inspirational and my daughter learned a great deal that will help her continue to improve her skills. I would recommend this camp to all those interested in track and field.
— Amy K., Parent
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Will return next year
My son researched camps and found the Clark Family's Nike Camp. He enjoyed it thoroughly. The Clark's are serious athletes who work hard during the camps to improve the participant's skills. My son enjoyed the camp and looks forward to using his newfound/improved skills during the next high school track year. He would recommend this camp to anyone who is looking to improve their performance. He will return next year.
— Gabe M., Camper
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2022: The morning runs were always very fun, as well as the competitive and supportive atmosphere. Also, learning so much valuable information from such experienced coaches was great
— Camper
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Recommend this camp
I recommend this camp because it covers several areas of running that include diet, stretching and technique, and much more that will help you become a better runner.
— Terrell F., Camper
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Improve Running Skills For The Future
The camp was great for how to safely continue training post-camp to be the most successful. the camp director could have been a little more organized.
— Nikki D., Parent
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Hazel was great!
My son's highlights from camp were the direct and personal engagement with the staff, general race strategies, and learned new core exercise.
— Kim W., Parent
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My son loved the camp
My son loved learning more about nutrition for running, weight training, and hearing from the Pros. Meeting new friends. Olympic coaches took the time to talk to the kids about their interests. Allowing the campers to ask the Olympians questions. My son loved the camp.
— Alice P. Parent
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The highlight according to my camper is the whole program itself
Being trained by Coach Trammel. And hanging out with Joetta and Hazel. Listening to their inspiring talks. The highlight according to my camper is the whole program itself! So empowering and fun. This camp is amazing. Well organized and friendly coaches and councilors. Excellent place for kids who love to improve their track and field performance. My camper met new friends who are passionate about the sport. I truly appreciate Joetta, Hazel, coach Trammel, coach Barry for reaching out to campers and inspiring them with encouraging words. And yes, the nurse who handed out water and reminding them to hydrate. I should say keep up the good work! We definitely want to come back next year.
— Joy B. Parent
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1000% ecstatic
The coaches were exceptionally knowledgeable and themselves very accomplished athletes. Lila learned a great deal - which immediately improved her performance, very important new technical and mental approaches. The coaches are truly encouraging and connect with the athletes. Lila came home 1000% ecstatic about her time at Clark Family Track Camp. We are so appreciative!!
— Lisa M. Parent
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Camp was amazing
My son, Bobby, attended Nike’s Clark Family running camp in “The only bad thing about the camp was that it had to end!. He was a little nervous going off to camp not knowing a single person that was going to be there. The Clark Family along with their other instructors made him feel welcome immediately. The camp was well run, with a daily routine. I was told that he had a lot of fun, learned a lot, and worked hard. Bobby said “Camp was Amazing, the only bad thing about it was that it had to end!” He’s already talking about attending next years camp and which of his new friends he might be rooming with. A big Thank you to the Clark family and other instructors for all you did this past week to help my son have an outstanding time.
— Allyson K. Parent
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Felt like family
2022: Before we even got to check in, Coach Jackson and Coach Clark recognized my daughter from last year's camp and welcomed her with open arms. My daughter loved the workouts and the hands on approach to making her become the best version of herself. She loved the energy of the coaches and counselors at the camp.
— Parent
Nike Clark Family Running Camp at The Pennington School
Pennington, New Jersey 08534
SECURE YOUR SPOT – CAMPS SELL OUT!
Last year over 650 Sports Camps sold out, leaving 7,000+ campers on the waitlist. Due to high demand, early registration for our first-come-first-serve camps is strongly recommended.
Camp Dates & Prices
New Camp Dates Coming Soon!
Please join the Priority List to be notified when this program opens for 2023 registrations.
