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Cross Country
Grass, hills and team scoring. Filter, sort and register.
Discipline Guide
Cross country running is a team and individual sport raced on grass, dirt and rolling hills, most familiar from high school and college seasons but with open and Masters events year-round. The Kinetic Chronicle lists the full spread, including 5K high school races, 6K-10K collegiate courses, open community cross country meets and Masters national championships. Typical distances span 4K-5K for youth, 6K-8K for collegiate women and men, and 5K-10K for open and Masters fields, run on golf courses, parks and rolling terrain with few paved sections. The directory includes USATF-sanctioned cross country championships, classic college invitationals, community open races and Masters series. Filter by state or date to find your next cross country race and register directly with the organizer.
How far is a cross country race?
High school cross country races are typically 5K (3.1 miles). Collegiate women race 6K and men race 8K, with 10K at championship meets. Open and Masters cross country events range from 5K to 10K, almost entirely on grass, dirt or wooded trails.
What shoes should I wear for cross country?
Cross country spikes (with metal spikes and a snug, lightweight upper) give grip and speed on grass and dirt. For rocky or hard courses, many runners switch to racing flats. Trail shoes work for muddy or hilly courses where extra traction matters more than weight.
Is cross country a team sport?
Yes. Cross country is scored as a team sport, with the top five finishers from each team contributing to the score (lowest total wins). Open and Masters events often allow both team and individual entry, so you can race solo even if you are not part of a club.
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