🐰Littles(ages 3.5–5)
Coordination, confidence, and play-based movement.
Joy's Jackrabbits in Palo Alto
A joyful Mid Peninsula track and field program for kids who are ready to run, jump and have fun while building confidence, developing a positive attitude and meeting new friends!
Founded by Coach Joy Upshaw — world champion, USATF Hall of Fame athlete, and beloved Bay Area coach.
Quick lookFall 2026 Early Registration • Pending Final Facility Approval
Your Palo Alto class, at a glance
- Location / Track
- Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
- Ages served
- Littles, Middles & Leaders (3.5–13)
What's included — Free with registration
- Team shirt & backpack
- Weekly themed patches
- Personalized end-of-season recognition
- Trained coaches in the Jackrabbits way
- USATF Membership (coming soon)
Early Registration means you can reserve a spot now, but you will not be charged until the schedule is confirmed. Early Registration lets families reserve interest before payment, while the schedule is finalized.
Book NowA class with us
What happens in a Jackrabbits class
Structure that feels like spontaneity. Every class follows the same warm rhythm so kids know what to expect — and adults can see exactly how the joy is built.
- 1
Welcome
Name connection, eye contact, every kid seen.
- 2
Warm-up
Silly, sweaty, smiling — bodies wake up.
- 3
Event of the Day
Running, jumping, throwing, or a relay.
- 4
Joy Huddle
Gratitude, recognition: "You're awesome!"
- 5
Send-off
A patch tied to the week's theme, a proud smile, and a reason to come back.
Why families trust us
25+ years of joy on Bay Area tracks
Coach Joy Upshaw is a World Masters Champion, a USATF Hall of Fameathlete, and an elite coach who has trained Olympians, college standouts, and thousands of Bay Area kids whose names you'll never read in a headline — but who left the track standing a little taller.
Joy, kindness, belonging, and confidence are the outcomes of Jackrabbits track and field.
No tryouts. No pressure. Just movement, encouragement, and joy.
The Joy Continuum
Find your child's age group
⭐Middles(ages 6–8)
Technique introduction, rhythm, teamwork, focus.
🏃Leaders(ages 9–13)
Skill refinement, efficiency, confidence, leadership.
Plan ahead
Reserve a spot early — no charge until the schedule is confirmed.
We know families plan ahead. Early Registration lets you hold a place in your preferred class while final facility approvals are completed. You will not be charged today. Once the schedule is confirmed, we'll email you the final details before payment is completed.
Parent questions
FAQs from Palo Alto families
Littles (3.5–5) are all about movement, comfort, and belonging. Middles (6–8) begin gentle technique while building confidence and coordination. Leaders (9–13) develop stronger skills, focus, and leadership. When in doubt, choose by age.
Yay! Go Jackrabbits!
Ready to join the Jackrabbits?
Come run, jump, laugh, learn, and leave feeling proud. We can't wait to welcome your family.