Welcome to the Livermore Lightning Track Club!

Livermore Lightning is a USATF Track club for athletes ages 8 and older, providing coaching and training for sprints, middle distance and jumping events.

Schedule a chat to learn more

PRACTICE GROUPS

Helping athletes of all abilities reach their goals in a fun and safe environment.

Our club is open to everyone, from beginners to accomplished athletes.  We focus on proper running mechanics, learning track & field events, and conditioning to improve speed, strength, jumping abilities and overall athleticism. Through positive reinforcement, we achieve a balance of fun and discipline in each class. We promote the value of teamwork, personal goal setting and hard work.

We train soft, & run hard and fast. Most of our practices are on soft surfaces to promote staying healthy over the long-term, safely building strength and speed.

Youth

8 to 11 year olds
Practice is held on Monday & Wednesday. This program is carefully designed to teach the basic mechanics of sprinting, long jumping, teamwork, and having a positive attitude. We work to instill a love for movement, and improve overall athleticism. An optional Saturday morning practice at Livermore High School. Group size caps at 16.

Middle school

11 to 13 year olds
Practice is held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Starting at roughly age 11 and older, we introduce more complex sprinting, jumping techniques and training exercises with a larger emphasis on preparing for competitions. We introduce goal setting in this group. Optional at-home conditioning workouts provided for Monday & Wednesday. Saturday morning practice at Livermore High School. Group size caps at 20.

High school development

13 to 18 year olds
This group will be formed once there are a minimum of 8 participants. It runs from September - January, and is designed to improve the strength, speed and skills your child will need to set them up for success in the high school season.  We assess each athlete's goals, strengths, weaknesses and design the program accordingly. Practice will be held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, with Saturday morning practice at Livermore High School. Group size caps at 24.

Private coaching

Work 1 on 1 with Markus Eklund on sprinting technique, or to build a conditioning plan uniquely designed for you. Contact him to setup a time to chat about your goals.

Home school group

This group will be formed once there are a minimum of 8 participants, with the program designed based on the ages of those who sign-up. Robertson Park soccer fields will be the location for these late-morning practices. Practice is 2x/week, with an opportunity for Saturday morning practices at Livermore High School.

Special Olympics group

This group will be formed once there are a minimum of 6 participants, with a group size caping at 10. The program is designed to improve the strength, speed and athleticism of neurodivergent athletes who need a smaller setting.

Schedule

All practices are rain or shine, but may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather that may be a health risk, or makes practicing not practical.

Fall 2025 program

What's included in price:

30+ hours of physical activity during the season.
Local dual meets.
Practice field rentals.
Athlete practice & meet insurance.
Practice equipment.
Field maintenance.
Shoe bag, workout towel.
Team canopy at practices.
Register for Fall 2025

Winter / Spring 2026 program

Registration opening in October. What's included in price:

33+ hours of physical activity during the season.
Regional meets and local dual meet options.
Practice field rentals.
Athlete practice & meet insurance.
Practice equipment.
Field maintenance.
Shoe bag and workout towel.
Team canopy at practices.

Summer Registration

Registration opening in Feb 2026. What's included in price:

48+ hours of physical activity during the season.
Regional meets and local dual meet options.
Practice field rentals.
Athlete practice & meet insurance.
Practice equipment.
Field maintenance.
Shoe bag and workout towel.
Team canopy at practices.

Fall 2025 Cost

Pay in full

Make a single payment using Zelle at the conclusion of registration. Or pay by check on the first day of practice.

$450/season

Cost is per child
Meet fees are extra
Register for Fall 2025

Monthly

Initial $50 deposit per child using Zelle, due at conclusion of registration. Remaining balance automatically deducted in 3 equal payments on the 1st of every month from October through December. Or pay by check at the first practice of each month.

$150/month

Cost is per child
Meet fees are extra
Register for Fall 2025

COachING

Coach Markus Eklund

Markus Eklund is the founder of the Livermore Lightning.
 
I am an All-American Masters Track & Field sprinter, and ranking in the top 100 in the world in the 200 meters.  I compete in the 400 meters, 200 meters, 100 meters, the long jump, and have been a track and field coach since 2022.

I hold an MA in Education, a Teaching Credential, is a USATF Certified Level 1 Coach (Safe Sport Certified), an NSCA Strength & Conditioning Coach, and Precision Nutrition (PN) Certified Nutrition Coach.

With a background in fitness, education, parenting a daughter, and overcoming life’s many challenges, I bring warmth, enthusiasm, and encouragement to my coaching. I’ve been told my ability to see the best in each person and draw it out makes me an inspiring coach.  I am a coach who cares and inspires.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I register with the USA Track & Field?

You can register your athlete at the USA Track & Field website.

The cost for a 1-year USATF youth membership is $35.00 plus some tax.

Use the Livermore Lightning Club code: 10790

My athlete is just getting started in track. Can they join?

Absolutely! We have a number of athletes who are new to track.  At practice, we divide our athletes into different training groups by age and ability so they are training with those at their experience level.

What should my athlete bring to practice?

Water or electrolyte drink, appropriate running shoes, shorts and a breathable running shirt. Bring sweats and weather appropriate long-sleeve top for colder weather.  Athletes who need an inhaler or other medical device must also bring that to practice with them every day.

How can I see what practices are like?

We offer a free initial session where your athlete can train with us to get a better feel for our training approach and program.

Do you have practices year-round?

Yes! We have 3 practice seasons; fall, winter & spring, and summer with breaks in between each season to fit with family and school schedules.

Where and when do you offer practices?

During the week, we practice at the Mendenhall Middle School Track, and on Saturday's at the Livermore High School Track.

See the Schedule for days and times of practices.

How often should my athlete train with the team?

Our goal is to create happy, healthy athletes who love track & field and choose to live an active lifestyle as an adult.  We recommend starting with 2x/week, and move to 3x/week when your athlete is ready to make a bigger commitment to the sport.  Athletes who want to compete at the highest levels should consider training with the team 4x/week.

Will you be practicing in the rain, cold, wind and heat?

Yes, we practice rain or shine, but will either adapt or cancel practice in the event of extreme weather that is unsafe for practices. Athletes are expected to come to practice dressed appropriately for the weather.

Do you offer training for jumping and throwing events?

In addition to sprints, middle distances, and hurdles, we offer training for the long jump and the triple jump. Starting in 2026 we will also offer training in the hurdles and shot put for those who are interested.