Parent’s Guide to Cross Country
• The course is 3.1 miles (5K) long.
• At most meets, the top 7 runners compete in the Varsity Race. Those not competing in the varsity race will run in the Open/Reserve Race. At a few meets, there is no distinction and no limit on entries. The great thing about Cross Country is that everyone gets to compete!
• The Varsity spots in races can change from week to week depending on runners’ times.
• Scoring: the individual places of the top 5 runners from each varsity team are added together. The team with the least amount of points wins.
• Find our orange tent and orange & black uniforms.  Generally parents should give the runners some space around the tent.  Allow them to prepare for their race mentally and physically.  After the race they need to cool down before they socialize or leave.
• Figure out the course. Wear your running shoes so you can get from place to place in order to cheer our runners on. Sometimes maps are available, but most often asking other parents or the Coaches will get you the best spots.
• Be prepared for any kind of weather. We usually see it all … from heat and high humidity, to cold and snow, and everything in between.
• Encourage and be positive to the runners. Running is hard work. A good mental attitude is important.
• Respect the coaches and the runners. As parents we sometimes think we know everything about our kids but, when it comes to running, Coach Bibler is with them every day. Respect that. Respect the runner … we are not in their shoes and we don’t know how they are feeling. Trust that they are doing their best.
• Riding the bus to and from meets is important. Do not take your runner home unless absolutely necessary and okayed by Coach beforehand. Coach understands that this happens on occasion, but the runners are making a commitment to the team – and riding the bus is part of it. This is a team sport. There are no individuals. It is important for them to be together before and after a meet.
• Make sure your runner drinks plenty of water the night before the race in order to stay hydrated.
• Send along clothes for the weather. When it is wet or cold, runners are often sitting and waiting for a long time before their races. Make sure they have clothes to keep them warm/cool and dry. During races, however, the runners must follow uniform guidelines – all black leggings, under armor, hats, gloves, etc. Use a black sharpie to blacken out those white logos or any other decorations.
• Send money along for food after the race. Often the team will stop at Chipotle or other restaurants in order to eat. They are more than ready to eat at that point.
• Cheer the team on. Cross country parents are the best when it comes to cheering on all the runners. Remember that in each race, someone may be getting a PR (personal record). They are working hard to improve their times each week. Let them know you support them!