ESR launched a cross-country team in 2006. The team just completed its second fall season, with more than 100 members participating. All ESR members are welcome to join.

If you’ve never run cross-country before, or haven’t run a cross-country race since high school and forgot what it’s like, you’ll find it a lot different than road racing. Like mud and hills? You’ll get plenty of both on some cross-country courses. The number of runners in a cross-country race is usually much smaller than in a road race – typically 50-100, with a few larger races drawing several hundred runners. Race distances are usually 6K for women and 6K-10K for men. The women and men race separately in most meets, with at least one or two meets each season including a separate masters race.

For a look at cross country, here are some photos from the Sundodger Invitational in Sept. 2007. Below is a link to our 2007 season schedule as well as some Frequently Asked Questions. The 2008 schedule will be announced shortly. If you’re interested in participating or have questions, contact team coach John Sweeney at jsween@microsoft.com.

2007 Schedule

FAQs
Q: I’ve heard of Cross Country, but what exactly is it?
A: Cross Country (XC) is similar to a road race, the difference being the terrain. Most XC courses are run on a mix of trails, grass, occasionally some road, and mud if we’re lucky! In Europe, XC races also have obstacles, barriers, and even river crossings but we wouldn’t anticipate seeing anything like that in our races. Also, XC races are often run as a team event. In general the finishing places of the top 5 people on a team are summed up and the lowest score wins.

Q: If I join the team, will I be required to run in all of the races?
A:No, you can run in any races that fit into your schedule.

Q: Will there be any team practices?
A:There will be no team practices. Team members participate in a variety of ESR's weekly runs, including the Wednesday night track workout run by John Sweeney, but there is no requirement to do so in order to be on the team. If you generally train alone and are looking for a group of runners to train with with similar ability, please contact John at jsween@microsoft.com 

Q: Am I fast enough to run on the team?
A:Cross Country races in the Seattle area have typically been held for small groups of elite runners. However, change is in the air, and there is desire to open up the sport to everyone who wants to participate. Change will not happen overnight and some races are quite competitive. Anyone of any ability is welcome to run in any race on our schedule, however we want to you have a fun, rewarding experience. Please refer to the suggested time guidelines listed in the schedule for more information, or contact John at jsween@microsoft.com if you have any questions.

Q: Are the any requirements to run on the team?
A:The only requirement is that you be a current member of the Eastside Runners.

Q: I am running a fall marathon. Should I run Cross Country?
A:Many runners find a few cross country races can compliment marathon training quite well. While training should be focused on the marathon, cross country running could be a great addition to your training (just not within two weeks of your marathon).