APEX Para Athletics | Para Track & Field: Who We Are
-
We don’t just modify workouts. We pioneer specialized training.
At APEX, we look at track and field through a highly personalized lens. Every adaptive athlete’s body, equipment, and mechanics are unique, which means their training should be too. Our approach is built on three core pillars:
Individualized Precision: Whether it's perfecting the transition on running blades, optimizing a racing wheelchair stride, or mastering the physics of a seated throw, we tailor our technical training to the exact biomechanics of the athlete.
A Total Support System: True athletic success happens from the inside out. We integrate elite coaching with specialized equipment expertise and mental resilience training to build well-rounded, confident competitors.
A Unified Track: We break down the walls between elite sports and community support. Our coaches, volunteers, and athletes train together in an environment that is high-energy, professional, and entirely accessible.
-
These are the core values that guide us every time we step onto the track:
The Summit Mentality: We believe in chasing excellence, not just participation. We hold our athletes, coaches, and programs to the highest standards because we know what our team is capable of achieving.
Inclusion by Design: For us, accessibility isn't a modification or an afterthought—it is our baseline. We build our programs from the ground up to ensure everyone belongs from day one.
Relentless Grit: True growth happens in the daily grind. We celebrate the resilience it takes to overcome barriers, dust ourselves off, and line up at the starting blocks day after day.
Climbing Together: No one reaches the peak alone. Every coach adjusting a blade, every volunteer timing a lap, and every athlete pushing for a personal best is an essential part of the APEX family.
-
Every athlete deserves a clear path to the summit. APEX Para Athletics was founded to change the landscape of adaptive sports. We looked at the traditional track and field world and saw a massive gap: passionate adaptive athletes who wanted to push their limits, but lacked access to the elite, specialized coaching and infrastructure needed to get there.
We built APEX to close that gap. What started as a vision to provide proper, structured training has grown into a powerful community where cutting-edge sports science meets pure, unwavering dedication. Today, we stand on the track with one clear mission: to ensure that when an athlete looks toward the peak of their potential, they have the team, the tools, and the community behind them to reach it.
Season Schedule & Practice Info
Ready to hit the track? Whether you are a returning athlete, a new recruit, or a volunteer ready to help out, here is everything you need to know about our current season layout and weekly practices.
The Regular Season
Our full regular season runs from April through August. We design the season to transition smoothly from early spring base-building straight into peak summer competition form.
Practice Times & Location
All official APEX Para Track & Field team practices take place on the outdoor track facilities.
Days: Saturdays (Note: Schedule is subject to change, and weekday or weekend sessions may be added as the season progresses).
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where:Coon Rapids High School
2340 Northdale Blvd NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433
What to Bring to Practice
To ensure everyone has a safe and productive session, please arrive 15 minutes early to warm up and ensure equipment is dialed in.
Athletes: Bring your customized racing or running gear, a water bottle, and weather-appropriate athletic wear.
Coaches & Volunteers: Please check in at the main track gate 20 minutes before practice begins for the morning brief. If you are interested in helping with equipment management, coaching or on the track support staff this season, please reach out to our Director, APEX Para Athletic Track & Field Program Jon Gunnarson at jong@excelimages.com
Because our schedule can adapt to upcoming meets or weather, please keep an eye on your email or check our instagram or text message group for any real-time updates.