XC Basics
XC History & Famous Runners
Geography of Running
Science of Running
100

What is the standard race distance for most high school cross country meets?

What is 5 kilometers?

100

This American won Olympic gold in the 1500m in 2008.

Who is Matthew Centrowitz?

100

This African country is known for producing elite long-distance runners.

What is Kenya?

100

What system in your body delivers oxygen to your muscles?

What is the cardiovascular system?

200

How many runner's scores count toward the team score in a typical XC race?

What is 5?

200

What U.S. distance running legend was known as “Pre”?

Who is Steve Prefontaine?

200

The famous Boston Marathon takes place in which U.S. state?

What is Massachusetts?

200

What acid builds up in your legs when you sprint hard?

What is lactic acid?

300

This fruit is famous for helping runners avoid cramps

What is a banana?

300

This Kenyan runner holds the marathon world record (as of 2025).

Who is Eliud Kipchoge?
300
This high-altitude town in Colorado is a training mecca for pro runners.

What is Boulder?

300

What's the main energy source for distance runners?

What are carbohydrates?

400

What is the term for the strategy of running the second half of the race faster than the first?

What is a negative split?

400

What year did women first compete in Olympic marathon?

What is 1984

400

The Olympic Marathon originally honored a run that took place in what ancient country?

What is Greece?

400

What's the term for training your body to perform with limited oxygen?

What is altitude training?

500

How is a tie broken in cross-country team scoring?

Whichever team's 6th runner places higher breaks the tie

500

What U.S. high schooler famously broke 4 minutes in the mile in 2001?

Who is Alan Webb?

500

Mount Kilimanjaro is in the country, also known for elite runners.

What is Tanaznia?

500

What mineral helps prevent muscle cramps and is lost through sweat?

What is sodium or potassium?