Cross Country

Cross country running is a sport in which teams and individuals run races on outdoor courses over natural terrain. Races shall be run over courses confined, to the extent possible, to open country, fields, parks, golf courses, and grasslands. The traversing of paved roads should be kept to a minimum.

Cross country runners are referred to as harriers. Men and women of all ages compete in cross country, which, in the United States, usually takes place during fall. Cross country running is one of the disciplines under the umbrella sport of "Athletics." USATF is the national governing body for Athletics in the United States. The USATF Cross Country Council has jurisdiction for national and regional cross country events for U20, Open, and Masters men and women. USA national cross country championships have been held since 1883. The rules and traditions of cross country racing emerged in Britain with the English championships first held in 1876. The International Cross Country Championships were held for the first time in 1903. Team USA’s participation at the World Cross Country Championships began in 1966 for open men, 1967 for open women, 1974 for U20 men, and 1989 for U20 women. Masters Cross Country Athletes participated at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia and will participate again at the World Championships in February 2024 in Pula, Croatia. The Masters selection race will take place at the Winter Cross Country Championships in Richmond, Virginia in January 2024. Cross country as an Olympic event dates back to the turn of the 20th century when it was contested as a team and individual event at the 1904, 1912, 1920, and 1924 Olympic Games. In the United States, Youth cross country events are governed by the USATF Youth Committee.