what is cross country

Cross country running is a sport in which teams and individuals run races on outdoor courses over natural terrain such as dirt or grass. It is a discipline under the umbrella sport of athletics and is a natural-terrain version of long-distance track and road running. The races usually take place during autumn and winter and can include weather conditions of rain, sleet, snow, or hail, and a wide range of temperatures. Cross country running is a far-reaching sport, with both men and women of all ages competing in it. The sport has a rich history, with the rules and traditions of cross country racing emerging in Britain, and the first national competition taking place in 1876. The International Cross Country Championships was held for the first time in 1903. Cross country running is also a significant sport in the United States, with national championships being held since 1883. The sport is governed by various national bodies, such as USATF in the United States and Canadian Interuniversity Sport in Canada. Cross country races are scored by assigning a point value for the place a runner finishes in, and the lowest score wins. A perfect score is 15 points, with the top five runners occupying the first five finishing positions. Cross country running is a challenging and popular sport that attracts athletes of all ages and abilities.