Make A Run For It
BY RONDA ADDY

Cross-country running is a standard sport for most junior and senior high schools. Athletes who participate in crosscountry need to be in good physical shape and have a great deal of stamina. Let's take a look at the history of cross-country running and what can be done to prevent injuries when engaging in it.

The origins of crosscountry running can be traced back to the game of hare and hounds in 19th-century England. Hare and hounds, or the paper chase as it was otherwise known, involved a runner or group of runners who created a trail by dropping markers while following a random course. A second set of runners would then set out in pursuit of the first, following the trail.

In 1837, Rugby School was the site of the first formal hare and hounds competition. Other public schools soon established similar events. As hare and hounds gained in popularity, the more important competitions were laid out in advance over open country, creating cross-country running.

In 1876, the English national cross-country championship was established. Two years later, William C. Vosburgh introduced the sport to the United States. In 1880, Harvard University made use of cross-country running as a fall training event for its track and field distance runners. Not long afterwards, other schools followed suite.

In 1890, the first intercollegiate meet took place among Cornell University, th e University of Pennsylvania and the City College of New York. Cornell went on to organize the Intercollegiate Cross- Country Association in 1898.

That same year saw the beginning of international cross-country racing with the first race ever between France and England. During the 1920s, cross-country running truly became an international sport when several other European countries joined England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales at their annual championship.

In 1912, 1920 and 1924, cross-country running was added to the roster of the Games. It was later dropped, however, when it was thought to be unsuitable for a summer event.

In1962, the International Amateur Athletic Federation, the governing body of track and field around the world, took over jurisdiction of cross-country running. The federation established rules for both men and women. In 1967, the first women's cross-country world championship meet was held.

Today, the cross-country season runs through the fall. While many events are held in open country, often on rude trails rather than on tracks or roads, major races usually begin and end on stadium tracks. Five to nine athletes participate on a team and each team's order of finish is determined by adding the places in which the team members finish. The team with the lowest score wins.

As with most sports, cross-country running entails some risks. To prevent injuries, runners should dress appropriately and maintain a healthy diet. Lightweight running shoes with built-in arch support are a must. Spikes are available for rough terrain, in permanent or detachable form, and should be chosen according to the age and level of the runner. Knee or ankle braces provide extra support for runners who have suffered previous knee or ankle injuries. Drinking lots of fluids prior to races helps prevent cramps and dehydration, and eating a diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates provides muchneeded energy.

Anyone considering taking up cross-country running should check with their doctor first. While training for and running in events, all runners should use common sense and make safety a priority.