Cross country runs

Cross country, sometimes abbreviated to XC, are running events over natural terrain and usually held during the winter months, meaning it can often get muddy.

FIND A CROSS COUNTRY EVENT

Choose a distance
You can pick from anything from short fun events up to 12km and beyond. And you'll often find cross country races are run over laps of around 2km.
Browse cross country listings

When?
These are mostly held in the winter months, so October through to February, with the National Championships usually held at the end of that month.
Cross country calendar

Where?
Cross country originated in the UK and used to involve more extreme courses featuring hedges and streams. Now the emphasis is on rolling, grassy circuits, which can become muddy but allow you to keep running throughout.

Who is best suited?
Similar to cyclo-cross in cycling, cross country brings together multiple running disciplines, including road and track, and is ideal winter training, with a competitive element if required - or just do it for fun and a change of pace.

ESSENTIAL INFO

What to expect
The courses are usually well marked, with smooth turns and enough space for overtaking. Everyone starts at the same time.

Be part of a club
This is a good idea on many levels - entry fees are nearly always cheaper if you are a member of UK Athletics-affiliated running club. There's also a team aspect to many of these events, which gives an added dimension.
Find a running club

Be spiky
The kit is very similar to road running, with the key difference being many people use spikes, providing the route is on a soft surface. And given they are held in winter, a long-sleeved top and running tights are other options to consider.

Relax...and breathe in the fresh air
Enjoy the countryside - and don't worry about your time as the nature of these events means you'll be much slower than running on the road.
The benefits of off-road running

MORE IDEAS

Other off-road runs
If you've enjoyed cross country running, then there are plenty of other options which also get you away from the traffic and out into the country.
Find a trail run Mud runs Multi-terrain More runs

Give cyclo-cross a try
Want to mix up your training? Then take a look at cyclo-cross events which are held on similar terrain and are mostly cycling, but with some cross-country thrown in.
Cyclo-cross explained

OUR TOP TIPS

DO...

Try and join a club - it will help you improve, enter more races and meet new people.
Consider spikes; they significantly boost your grip, especially when muddy.
Enjoy it; it's ideal winter training, whatever the weather throws at you.

DON'T...