About 246 children ages 5-16 took part in the FPYC Cross Country Race on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, at Daniels Run Elementary School in Fairfax. As part of National Running Day on Friday, cross country clubs from Bethesda, SYA in Centreville, St. Rita’s in Arlington and the Dale City Track Club joined in the competition. Runners received ribbons and badges in the following categories: 6-U is a 1K, 7-8 is a 2K, 9-10 is a 3K, 11-12 is a 3K, 13-14 is a 4K, and 15-Plus is a 5K. The FPYC Club holds the Peter Banks Invitational, in honor of the program founder, and competes each weekend through Nov. 3; the post-season extends until Dec. 14. The long-term director is Gary Sidor, who along with head coach Dennis Harrison, have been key to the program’s success for years. Some of the FPYC’s alumni includes Macey Schweikert of Robinson; Luke Sharkey of Robinson; Alex McGuire of Woodson and Lauren Berman of Robinson. The next race is Oct. 6 from 1:30-4 p.m. at Van Dyke Park in Fairfax.