What is Cross Country?

Basics of Cross Country

1. Course: A race takes place on varied terrain, including grass, dirt trails, and sometimes gravel or mud. The courses can include hills, flat sections, and obstacles like hay bales.

2. Distance: The length of the race can vary. For middle school competitions, the distance is either 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) or 2 miles.

3. Teams and Scoring: In team competitions, the goal is to have the lowest combined score. Each team's top five runners' finishing positions are added together to get the team score. The team with the lowest score wins.

4. Start and Finish: Races usually start with a mass start, where all runners begin at the same time. The finish line is often a straightaway where runners sprint to the end. 

5. Training: Cross country runners train by running various distances and terrains to build endurance, speed, and strength. They often include hill workouts, interval training, and long runs.

What Makes Cross Country Unique

• Nature: Unlike track running, cross country allows runners to experience the beauty of nature and the challenge of different terrains.

• Community: There's a strong sense of camaraderie among runners. Even though it's competitive, there's a lot of support and encouragement within our community.

• Mental Toughness: The sport requires not just physical endurance but also mental strength to push through tough conditions and fatigue.

Getting Started

• Gear: You'll need a good pair of running shoes suited for trails, comfortable running clothes, and possibly spikes for better traction on certain terrains.

• Join a Group: The Jr Cougars is a great place to start running. We accept runners of all levels-even brand new! 

• Start Slow: If you're new to running, begin with shorter distances and gradually increase your mileage to build up your endurance.

Cross country is a rewarding sport that combines physical fitness with the enjoyment of the outdoors. It's great for building endurance, strength, and mental resilience.