cross country

schedule and information


Cross Country

What is cross country?


Cross Country running is a team sport where students compete in

long-distance races held on natural terrain like grass, dirt, and gravel. I

  • Race Distance: Courses are typically 1.5 to 2 miles for middle school and 3.1 mile (5K) for high school. 
  • The Terrain: Unlike track and field, races take place in open spaces like public parks, fields, woods, and golf courses. Courses feature hills, mud, and sharp turns. 
  • Scoring System: Teams win by earning the lowest score. The finishing positions of the top five runners from each team are added together (e.g., placing 2nd, 5th, 8th, 12th, and 15th equals 42 points). 
  • Team Dynamics: While individual runners try to place as high as possible, they work together as a pack to win as a team.
  • Practices: Teams usually practice 5 days a week during the athletic period. Workouts include continuous distance runs, hill repeats, interval training, and core workouts in the outdoor elements. 
  • Meets: Competitions (called meets) usually happen once a week or on weekends. Dozens of schools and hundreds of runners often compete in the same race.
  • Running Shoes: A supportive pair of daily training shoes is required. Spikes are unnecessary in middle school.
  • Clothing: Schools provide a racing singlet (jersey) and shorts for competitions. Practices require grey t-shirts and black shorts, socks and running shoes at daily practice. 
  • Water Bottle: Proper hydration before, during, and after training is essential for performance and safety. Gatorade and other electrolyte drinks are prohibited before and during practice. Electrolyte drinks are made for replenishment after the depletion of those minerals and vitamins after workouts and runs - not before. 


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Stay tuned for the 2026 cross country season schedule - coming soon!


  

schedule

CROSS COUNTRY