According to Running USA, race finisher totals skyrocketed during the last two decades, growing from about 5 million finishers in 1990 to more than 19 million finishers in 2013. While some race categories are declining, one that is coming on strong is adult cross-country.
Why do runners find these races appealing? Most are run at the uber accessible 5K distance; they aren’t run on the same courses as every other road race in town, and there is the team component. Adult cross country is the perfect way to test your trail-running skills in a fun, team-oriented environment.
– Michelle DelPiccolo, Right Start Race Management