Cross-country is a type of long-distance racing. Unlike track and field races, cross-country competition is not held on a track. Runners usually race across fields or golf courses and often through woods and over hills. Because distances and terrains differ for each race, no national or world records exist for this event. In the United States, the National Federation of State High School Associations has set a minimum distance of 1 1/2 miles (2.5 kilometers) and a maximum distance of 3 miles (5 kilometers) for races. The National Collegiate Athletic Association has set a distance of 5 kilometers (3 1/10 miles) for women and between 8 and 10 kilometers (5 and 6 1/5 miles) for men. The Athletics Congress conducts championships at distances of 10 kilometers for men and 6 kilometers (3 3/4 miles) for women.
Exeter, Marquess of (1905-1981), David Cecil, became a famous British amateur athlete and sports administrator. He won the gold medal in the… More>>
Strickland, Shirley (1925-2004), an Australian athlete, was one of the outstanding sprinters and hurdlers of her time. During her career, she held… More>>
De Castella, Robert (1957-...), an Australian athlete, won the marathon at the Commonwealth Games in 1982 and 1986. He finished fifth in the 1984… More>>
Fordyce, Bruce (1955-...), a South African long distance runner, became one of his country's greatest athletes. Fordyce began running in 1976 and… More>>
Freeman, Cathy (1973-...), is a popular Australian track star of Aboriginal descent. Freeman became a controversial figure within Australia when… More>>
Coe, Sebastian
How a Marathon Works