CROSS COUNTRY
The Cross-Country Season is our Winter Season and runs from May to August of each year.
Craigieburn Little Athletics is part of the Cross-Country Division 1 Region. The clubs that make up Division 1 include Essendon, Keilor, Sunbury, Coburg, Hume, Lancefield/Romsey, Diamond Valley, Whittlesea City and Preston/Reservoir Little Athletic clubs.
One of the greatest challenges of cross country is the ability to keep a constant speed on the ever-changing terrain and battling with weather conditions. There are many benefits of cross country running. It improves lung capacity, endurance is greatly enhanced, it builds core strength, fitness levels substantially increase and athletes are challenged to become mentally tough. The greatest benefit is that every athlete has a real sense of personal achievement.
The distances run by athletes are according to their age group as follows:
DISTANCES
U6 - 500m
U7 & U8 - 1,000m
U9 & U10 - 1,500m
U11 & U12 - 2,000m
U13 to U16 - 3,000m
Competitions are held weekly at various clubs in the region, so some travel is required. A number of Open Days are also held during the season where medals are awarded to the first three place getters in every age group. There is also a Region Cross Country Carnival and the State Cross Country Championships. To qualify for the State competition, athletes must compete in the Region Cross Country Carnival.
If you are already a registered member for the 2024/2025 Season, the Cross-Country Season is included in the fees you have already paid! All you need to do, is show up to training!
If you are not a registered member and would like to join the Cross-Country team, the registration portal will be open early 2025. Please contact the LAVic office (phone (03) 9960 8600, or email office@lavic.com.au) for further enquires.
All athletes are required to pay a weekly competition fee of $2.00 per athlete which helps to pay f or trophies awarded on NMR Presentation Day.