Cross Country Running

Cross country running is an endurance sport and a challenge. Cross country runners, in teams of between four and 12 runners, vie for first place as they dash across open land and rough terrain. The distance they cover can range anywhere from 2-k to 15-k. While regulations establish the distances for both men and women, there is no such consistency for the actual courses used.

The history of cross country running begins in England, in the early 1800s, when college students started a foot grind. The sport grew slowly over this century, forming clubs and, eventually, a union, the English Cross Country Union, in 1893. By this time, the sport was in America. William C. Vosburgh thought cross country running was an excellent sport. Although the Olympics Committee dropped cross country running as a sport in 1924, the event continues to excite viewers and participants.

Annually, the International Amateur Athletics holds the World Cross Country Championships. One of the more interesting cross country running quotes refers to this event as “probably the toughest distance race in the world. Paul Tergat, the source of this quote, was an IAAF World Cross Country Champion. He is one of the many famous cross country runners who take part in this race. John Ngugi and Grete Waltz have won the event five times and Carlos Lopes and Lynn Jennings have won it three times. Recently, the Kenyans and Ethiopians have begun to dominate this sport.

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In order to be a good cross country runner, you have to train. Training for cross country running involves dedicating yourself to a program and daily organized schedule. This includes setting goals, exercising and, if you are serous cross country runners training, building up endurance. If necessary, you can sign up for cross country running camp. For information on camps, training and other pertinent material, including cross country running tips, check your local running club or go online.

Do not forget about your gear. Among other things, you require running shoes. These must be cross country running shoes. They differ substantially from road running shoes, treadmill running shoes or even trail running shoes. These are meant to be durable, flexible and supportive. In cross country running, your terrain can be treacherous.

Cross Country running, a sport with many followers and leaders is physically tough and mentally trying. It is also beneficial. The benefits of cross country running include weight loss, stress reduction, camaraderie and improved heart and lungs. Cross country running + techniques produces good results.