Thirty athletes from the Runners Express Track Club in Miami have qualified for the Junior Olympics in Texas later this month.
However, money issues may mean 12 of the runners won't be able to go.
Coach Eddie Frye runs grueling practices for the club. He's preparing kids to run track and run the race of life.
“I tell all my kids whatever they put into practice is what they are going to get out of it Saturday at their track meet,” said Frye.
Eighth grader Javenique McDowell loves to run.
“It pays off because I understand where he is coming from. He wants us to be better and do the best that we can,” said McDowell.
In June, half the 60 member team qualified for the A.A.U. Junior Olympics, running and jumping their way to spots in Houston.
It'll cost $13,000 for the 11 day trip, but less than half raised, meaning 12 runners can't afford to go.
“It hurts me to my heart that the other 12 couldn't make this trip all because of financial reasons,” said Frye.
Club members have tried raising money on their own, including contacting friends and local businesses, but don't have enough.
Now time is running out.
”If you can please help so we can have a good time, show them what we have been working on, what we worked for. It will pay off,” said McDowell.
”I know it is normally a lot of money but my team and my coach make it as cheap as possible for us to go, and I'm just very grateful for that,” said 11th grader Albert Lewis.
Track team members said they would like somebody to help them compete at a higher level.
“We're not bad kids. This right here is keeping us out of trouble,” said runner SirWade Frye.
While the runners wait for financial help to come, training continues. They're hoping for medals and their friends being able to compete with them.
If you would like to donate, go to www.runnersexpress.org.