You can run NXN if your state permits you to run in HS competitions, but the fact that you are asking makes me think this doesn’t apply to you.
You have three options in my mind:
(1) Junior Olympics-type championships. You have USATF, AAU, and CCCNYC. Their competitiveness is basically in that order. Last year the 8th grade age group (13-14) at USATF was quite good and was won by Vince Recupero who went on to run a 9:02 2 mile in the spring. USATF is at Texas A&M this year and I know at least two top 8th graders from the west coast who will be there. It’s a 4k distance at that age.
(2) Running Lane. They let 8th graders run in whatever race their times seed them into. You’re not likely to place particularly highly but it can be a good first crack at mixing it up over 5k with high schoolers.
(3) Continue to build for track. Junior high/middle championships don’t matter. Use the time to continue to build towards the track season where you’ll have plenty more opportunities for good competition (Nike Outdoor Nationals, Brooks PR, open/unattached meets against older runners, etc.)
You can also run USATF events. Your state may local events and possibly a state championship. Then it goes on to regional and national junior olympics events
IMO, NXN outcompetes Footlocker etc. because they have earlier regionals, teams get in and create team pressure to run with them, and kids will mostly go to the first national meet they qualify for. If there are more nuanced reasons to prefer one meet, HS kids are not informed or patient enough to care.
Don't worry about it. No runner I knew who was really good in middle school or trained seriously at a young age remained that way by the time HS Senior year/college came around.
Pick up a different sport and don't take running so seriously at that age.
Don't worry about it. No runner I knew who was really good in middle school or trained seriously at a young age remained that way by the time HS Senior year/college came around.
Pick up a different sport and don't take running so seriously at that age.
Totally agree. Aidan’s Cox and Puffer. Jakob. Wightman. Garcia Romo. Kerr. All totally washed up after middle school.
Compared to how many that burned out? You can name 10 more and the stats still aren't in your favor.