I love to run cross country. The training, the practices, the races, everything is a wonderful experience. If you’re not familiar with the sport of cross country, you need to watch a race to fully understand what it’s all about. Imagine your favorite sport. Now invite all the top teams and all the stars to play at the same time on the same field. This is what a cross country championship is like.
Let’s start with what a cross country race is. The distance of a cross country race varies from high school to college, but is typically between 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). All runners start at the same time. The first runner to reach the finish line wins.
Finding out which team wins is also quite simple. Most team races allow seven to twelve riders on each team. The top five finishers on each team count toward their team’s points. The team with the lowest point total wins. In a perfect race, the team would finish 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. This would give the team a total of 15 points. Races can have just two teams competing head-to-head, or for the really big invites, 50+ teams can all compete at the same time.
Another reason cross country is so unique is that all the runners race against each other at the same time. Imagine taking the best track racers and letting them race against each other. That is what happens. Many high school and college cross country teams have excellent middle and long distance runners who compete together. People from the 400 meters to the people who run the 2 miles on the track team will make a high school team. In college, it’s usually track runners 1 mile and up who make the cross country team.
Training for the sport is also unique. Often many of his training runs are done on the trails or in mountainous terrain. I have been able to run on so many beautiful state park trails thanks to cross country. To get better, you have to gradually increase the amount you run. This way you avoid injuries, but get your stamina level up to unbelievable levels after months of training.
Championship racing season is finally here. At the end of the season, there are two big races. First comes the qualifying race for the championship. In this race, only a select few teams and the top finishers qualify for the championship race. For the final race of the season, the best individuals and teams gather. It’s like the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl rolled into one event. As a competitor, you can compete against the best of the best. As a spectator, you can watch a great individual race and see the teams battle it out in the middle of the pack.
In the fall, check to see where your local high school team competes or where the local college meets in your home. Seeing a race in person is a unique experience. If you’re not sure about joining your high school team, I guarantee you won’t regret it. Cross-country running brings out the best in people. There is something about working together towards a common goal that stays with you for a lifetime.
