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 (NCAA) has set a championship distance of 6 kilometers (3 3/4 miles) for women and between 8 and 10 kilometers (5 and 6 1/5 miles) for men. USA Track & Field conducts championships at distances of 6 kilometers for women and 12 kilometers (7 1/2 miles) for men.
See also Track and field.
