What does XC mean in SPORTS

Cross Country (XC) is a type of track and field sport, which involves running or walking long distances across a variety of terrains with the aim of completing a course within an allotted time.

In Cross Country races, competitors must run or walk around an established course that typically contains obstacles such as hills, streams and water hazards. Different terrain types may also be encountered throughout the race.

The length of the race can vary, ranging from short sprints to longer Ultra Marathons. Generally, these events are between 4Km and 12Km for junior athletes and 10Km and 25Km for senior athletes.

Cross country events can be localised events at specific clubs or schools or "open" events where entrants from multiple clubs and schools compete together. XC races can also take place on trails or hills in parks or natural settings, or even on roads or pavements.

Some common types of XC competitions include individual races, team relays and mixed gender groups. There can also be individual age categories depending on the event's organisers.