RUNNING INFORMATION ARTICLES

Cross Country Running

First, let us describe Cross Country by differentiating it from other Running Events. Cross Country running differs from track and road running in terms of the terrain and the techniques involved. While Track Running mostly entails running in an indoor track, the terrain in Cross Country running varies from place to place, mostly rough terrain like woodlands and muddy grounds. Aside from that, it is different from the other running discipline in terms of its scoring system.

Technique
Even before considering the biomechanics involved in Cross Country Running, we have to know first the running challenges in the various terrains included in the sport. While Track and Road Running are done on more or less even Running Surfaces, Cross Country running involves running in a rough terrain wherein you have to constantly adjust to its changes. For example, in woodlands, you always have to be on the lookout for protruding rocks or roots of trees lest you trip over them, losing you precious time and energy.

On the biomechanical side of it, Cross Country running involves taking shorter strides because of the softer and often slippery terrain, as compared to Track Running where you can adjust your running style depending on your height and build. This sport also entails using more muscles than other types of running sports because, as previously mentioned, you have to make constant adjustments to the inconsistent terrain that you are setting your feet on.

Point System
Usually, the sport is scored on a team basis. A Cross Country running team is composed of not less than 5 and no more than 7 players, with the 6th and 7th players acting as “displacers”, who may not have bearing in the final scores but can make the opponents’ scores higher. In this case, the goal is for the team to have the least points possible. For example, the team’s first five players ended in the first to fifth places. They will then be scored accordingly, i.e. 1 point for the first placer, 2 points for the second, and so on. Therefore, their team would have a total of 15 points (1+2+3+4+5). If their displacers finish 6th and 7th, they would not add to the team’s points but will push the opponents’ team lower. For example, if there is only one opposing team, they will not only have 40 points (6+7+8+9+10) but a whopping 50 points, as they have been “displaced” by the other team’s displacers. This type of win is considered a “sweep” for the winning team.

As mentioned above, Cross Country Running lies on a different sphere from Track Running in terms of the terrain and technique involved. Aside from that, Cross Country running differs in the determination of winners where the team with the least number of points wins, along with its use of displacers, which can change the outcome of the race.

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