Expect to see Marlins running along city streets bright and early on Monday, Aug. 9.

The first cross-country practice starts at 7 a.m. on that date, and students who want to be part of this year’s cross-country team should report to the high school at that hour.

That’s the first of the two-a-day practices that will be at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, leading up to the first cross-country meet on Saturday, Aug. 28.

Marlins Athletic Director Steve Reaves said the practice runs will vary from day to day, depending on the type of training runners are doing. Girls will run two miles and boys will run 3.1 miles the first day, but teams will cover longer distances as practice progresses, he said.

“Both teams won district championships last year, with the boys making it all the way to state,” Reaves said. “We are expecting big things again this year. The kids have worked hard all summer and are excited about the year.”