What is Cross Country?
Cross country is a team sport of long distance running. Practices and races are usually held on an open terrain consisting of woods, fields, and hills. Terrains differ for each race.
What distances are normally run?
Most of our races will be 5Ks. The National Federation of High School Associations has set a minimum of distance of 2.5 kilometers ( a little less than 1.5 miles) and a maximum of 5K (3.1 miles).
How is cross country scored?
- Cross country is different from most sports because the lowest score wins. The boys race is separate from the girl’s race. Varsity races are separate from JV races. Varsity events are run with a maximum of seven athletes per team. Some JV events are open and allow more runners.
- The places of the first five athletes on each team are added together to determine the team score. The sixth and seventh runners contribute by finishing ahead of other teams’ top five runners and increasing their scores.
- In the event of a tie with another team, the sixth athlete’s places are compared to determine the winner (some states will compare the fifth runner.)
- It is important for the team to finish as close together as possible. For example, a finish of 1,3,4,6 and 83, (a score of 97) will lose to a team finishing 16, 17, 19, 21, and 23 (with a score of 96).
Cross Country Meet Information
Meets are normally scheduled on Saturday mornings. Meets may last a few hours or all day, depending on the organization and number of entries. All athletes are encouraged to watch and cheer on their teammates run in other races before or after their race. Athletes typically arrive at meets at least one hour prior to their race so they have time to warm up. See the meet schedule each week for specific information.
Most meets will have four races, usually 30 minutes apart. The four races are varsity boys and girls and JV boys and girls.
The head coach will select which athletes will run each week in which races mostly based on their performance from the last race(s). Athletes selected to run in the varsity races at the region and state meets are those athletes who have typically shown the most consistency throughout the season.
What to Bring?
Pack your bag the night before a meet! Wear your Voorhees singlet and shorts under your sweat pants and sweat shirt. Be sure to pack your running shoes, racing spikes, an extra pair of shoes for after the race, extra socks, watch, dry clothes, a drink, snacks, etc.
Transportation to/from meets
Transportation for athletes to/from meets is provided by the school.
Every athlete on the team is expected to ride the school bus to and from the meets. You can only leave a meet with your parents/guardians if you have a travel release form signed by the athletic director and your parents.
Post-race
Runners will stretch and do a “cool down” run with their teammates shortly after finishing the race. They can change into dry clothes at this time if necessary. Runners are encouraged to stay for the awards session upon the conclusion of the race, too. It’s fun for our team to be rewarded after training well!
Spectators
- Cross country is not the typical spectator sport because spectators cannot see the entire race from one location.
- Spectators may want to pick their spot(s) prior to the race start for best viewing of the race.
- Spectators are encouraged to help cheer on all Voorhees athletes.
- Come dressed in Voorhees apparel to identify yourself as a VHS supporter and show your school spirit!
- Parents may also want to bring a comfortable chair to sit in while waiting for the races to begin. Look for the VHS team tent or flag to identify the team’s staging area.
- Bring your camera. Photos of all athletes are compiled on our team Flickr site, and volunteer photographers are always invited to contribute photos.
- Abide by parent code of conduct.
Cross Country uniform
Singlet / Running Shorts
Athletes must wear the team's uniform to participate in all races. Uniforms will be issued at the beginning of the season and must be returned at the end of the season. Take good care of your team issued uniform. If you lose it, you will have to pay for it!
Other gear
Shoes
Your feet are important! Make sure you have proper running shoes and socks. A general rule of thumb for running shoes is they last about 400 miles or one cross country season. For proper fitting, go to a running store and ask for assistance. If you tell the local running store you run for Voorhees, most give a discount.
XC Spikes
Spiked shoes can also be purchased to wear when competing. Since most races are held on grass and dirt, spiked shoes can help with traction and speed. A spiked shoe has five to seven metal spikes inserted into small holes on the forward part of the shoe. When buying spiked shoes, make sure to purchase a distance running or cross country pair. This shoe should have a medium to thick-cushioned heel.
Spirit Wear
A link to athlete and parent spirit wear will be available in time for the first day of school.
Advice for successful training
Coaches offer the following info for successful XC training:
- Prior to beginning any running or exercise program, make sure your physician approves.
- Pay special attention to the ground when running in the park. Most sprained ankles occur when you are not paying attention. Many running injuries occur as a result of deterioration of the athlete’s running shoes. Shoes that have deteriorated may cause the runner to suffer shin splints, stress fractures and other leg, ankle and/or foot ailments.
- One of the most common injuries in sports is a stress fracture. A stress fracture is an overuse injury that occurs when muscles become fatigued and are unable to absorb added shock. Eventually, the fatigued muscle transfers the overload of stress to the bone causing a tiny crack called a stress fracture. Stress fractures often are the result of increasing the amount or intensity of an activity too rapidly. They can also be caused by the impact of an unfamiliar surface or improper equipment (shoes). Many times a runner who does not run during the summer is injured by increasing his/her training too rapidly in the fall. The likelihood of a stress fracture increases as bone mass decreases. Therefore, all runners should eat three regular meals, snacks and maintain a healthy diet. If a runner believes he/she has a stress fracture, he/she should see a doctor as soon as possible. Usually the best treatment is rest. Please follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Anemia has also been a problem that runners need to be aware of. Anemia causes a decrease in the number of circulating red blood cells or insufficient hemoglobin. Anemia will negatively interfere with a runner’s athletic performance. Some signs of anemia are: decreased performance when running at a maximum pace; tiredness; weakness; and paleness. Maintaining an adequate iron intake can help prevent anemia that is related to exercise. Please consult with a doctor if you believe you might be suffering from anemia. The athlete’s ferretin level should be tested as well as his/her hemoglobin level. Ferretin levels give a truer indication of a person’s iron levels. Follow the doctor’s instructions.
- Drink plenty of fluids before, during and immediately after you finish training. The most important hydration time is the day before a meet. A muscular athlete is mostly water. Avoid drinks with caffeine or carbonation.
- Get between eight to ten hours of sleep each night.
- A determined and scheduled bed-time each night is imperative to the well trained athletes success.
- Year-round training consistency is important also.
Sam Dispenza