Interested in joining running events?
Regardless of whether you’re an athlete or a regular joe, one of the first questions you should ask is, what is cross country running?
In different countries around the world, this is an extremely popular event between men and women alike.
Although it isn’t as famous as other races, many people from all walks of life dream of participating in cross country races even once in their lives.
Some do so for the experience, while others aim to improve their overall running performance.
What Is Cross Country Running?
Cross country is a running event where the runners compete to finish an open or rough terrain course.
The courses might be a combination of grass, mud, hills, flat ground, water, or woodlands, making it very unpredictable.
It is a sport that is not only meant for athletes but also for people who just want to stretch their limbs and work out.
Why It’s Worth Trying
Cross country running is also one of the most exciting running events, but it is not as popular as the other races.
So, what makes cross country races very enticing to a lot of runners?
1. The Scenery
Perhaps you’re wondering how in the world will you have time to enjoy the scenery when you should be focusing all of your energy in the race.
As you may already know, running on a track and field means having to look at the same views over and over again.
You will see the other runners, the people watching from the sides, and the lines on the track.
Cross country races are different because you have the opportunity to look at the beauty of nature while you’re running.
As a result, you won’t get easily bored—in fact, you’d be motivated and energized to run farther.
2. The Challenge
Cross country is one of the most challenging racing events to ever exist, to the point where the sport was actually removed from the Olympics.
This is a fact, and the IAAF is still pursuing this race's reinstatement to this international sporting event.
Don’t get us wrong; cross country races are still very much happening here and there.
However, the best way to bring it back to its former glory is having it included in the Olympics again.
The changing terrain is one of the challenges you will face when cross-country running. This is not something that a typical track and field race can offer.
After all, the thrill of the unknown is always a great lure for people who love challenges.
3. No Timers
Cross country running uses a point system, so it doesn’t matter how many seconds, minutes, or hours you spend on the course.
As long as you finish it, there are corresponding points, and your team has a chance to win.
This is the reason why a lot of people participate in cross country events. They can just walk or run the course without worrying about the time it takes.
4. Improve Your Running Performance
The harsh terrain of cross-country running is a fantastic way to improve your overall running performance.
If you are an athlete looking to improve your running speed and endurance, the best way to do it is to join cross country events.
When running on uneven terrains, you can improve your running tempo, too. It is completely different when running on the track because all you need is to run fast.
In cross country races, you need to slow down or speed up depending on the terrain.
5. Strength and Endurance
If you watch a cross country race, you will notice different kinds of people participating in the event. You might even see a couple of elderly people joining the races.
This is because cross country running is not all about speed. Instead, you need to have the strength and endurance to complete the whole course.
Even athletes won’t have a significant advantage over you, especially if it is their first time participating, as well.
If you are confident with your strength and endurance, you will surely finish the course in no time.
What Happens in a Cross Country Event?
Although this sport is not as common as other racing events, many such races are happening worldwide.
Each one has its own set of rules and regulations, but the main rules are pretty much the same.
Here are some of the things that you should know about the race if you plan to participate in the future.
1. Running Course and Distance
The running course varies depending on the place where the event would be held. As mentioned, the trails can be muddy, rocky, grassy, hilly, or a combination of all of them.
The distances would also vary depending on the participants' age. This would be decided by the directors.
2. Start of the Race
Like marathon events, cross country running also starts with a large number of people behind the starting line.
There are instances where every team will have its own space or box on the starting line so that they can prepare for the race.
The boxes may be large enough for an entire team, or it might be very small, accommodating only a few racers.
There are also competitions where there is only enough space for one or two runners on the starting line.
The remaining members will follow them in a line, or they might be permitted to flow in other boxes.
A gun or a horn will signal the start of the event.
The first few hundred meters would be wide enough for the participants, but it will narrow down slowly until the finish line.
3. Marking the Course
Since cross country running is entirely different from other races, and it happens on natural terrain, markers are placed on the area.
These markers ensure that the runners will not run off-course. The courses would be marked using tape, chalk, paint, cones, ribbons, and flags.
There are also instances where volunteers are placed on intersections to point the correct direction to the runners.
4. The Actual Race
On the first 200 to 300 meters, the runners will try their best to speed up to get a better position since the roads will start narrowing down.
Another important rule is that you cannot make physical contact with other runners, or you will be disqualified.
Unlike most races, the goal of this event is to finish the course. Hence, you don’t have to exert so much energy in the first few hundred meters.
For this reason, most runners will conserve their energy, especially on the more complicated terrain.
Since it is a team race, runners can run in groups to help the slower teammates and intimidate the other teams.
5. Finishing the Race
You will find many helpers record the numbers of the runners who reach the finish line.
Even if you made it first, it does not mean that your team has already won the race. Since it is a team sport, there are corresponding points.
It means that you have better chances of winning if all of your teammates reach the finish line.
To win the race, your team needs to have at least five members reach the finish line.
The point that you will get would depend on your placement when you reach the finish line. The scores will be added, and the team with the lowest points wins the race.
Cross Country Running FAQs
1. What is the difference between track and cross country?
Although both are running events, cross country running only has a single event—the race itself.
Track and field have a lot of different events where you can participate in.
Moreover, cross country is a team sport, so the overall score would depend on the score of all the runners in your team.
Track and field competitions are different because they score the runners individually.
2. How much do you run in cross country?
Men usually run for 10 kilometers or eight kilometers, while women usually race around six or five kilometers.
As for junior college, men usually race at four miles or 6.5 kilometers.
3. Is cross country hard?
Cross country running is not an easy event to participate in. This becomes even more challenging if you wish to win it.
Many do it for fun and don’t really care about the points or winning the race, but if you are the competitive type, this is something you’d really love to win.
On the other hand, if you are running at your own pace without thinking about the other runners, then cross country running is not too difficult.
Conclusion
It is better to know what is cross country running before deciding to sign up and participate in the said event.
It is a lot harder than track and field events because the terrain would constantly change, depending on the course.
If you are not prepared and have no idea what you are dealing with, you might get tired in the middle of the race. There are also instances where runners get injured in the process.
If you plan to join cross country competitions, make sure that you are fully equipped with the right gear, and your body is warmed up properly.