Seven Runners, One Jersey: Are Elite Meets and Club Coaching Breaking High School Cross Country?
Elite meets and paid club coaching are pulling the best runners off the school calendar. Here is what that does…
Program and Team
-
-
How to Pick Your Varsity Seven in Cross Country
Susie ran 24:34 as a freshman. That was her personal best, set in October, and it put her in the…
-
How Cold Is Too Cold to Run? A Policy for High School Teams
Wind chill thresholds for high school running practice, why the posted number understates runner meets, and a policy to send your athletic director.
-
Cross Country Meet Checklist for Coaches
The short version Meet day goes wrong in the 48 hours before it, not during it. Confirm entries and transportation…
-
How to Mark a Cross Country Course
The short version Mark the ground and the air. Paint or line the course route, then add directional flags high…
-
Cross Country Coach Gear That Lasts All Season (2026)
The short version Split your list in two. The school buys course equipment, timing, and team supplies through a purchase…
-
-
-
How Long Is a Cross Country Race? Distances and Average Times
The short answer A high school cross country race is 5,000 meters, or 3.1 miles. Middle school races run 1.5…
-
How to Start a Middle School Cross Country Program
A step-by-step guide to starting a middle school cross country team: approvals, state rules, budget, finding a coach, building a course, and recruiting runners.
-
Your First Week Coaching Middle School Cross Country
A day-by-day plan for your first week coaching middle school cross country: what to do before day one, the first five practices, and what parents will ask.
-
