USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. The USATF is compised of 59 local associations, one of which, the Pacific Association (PA), governs over the territories that include the State of California north of Mono, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Kings, and Santa Barbara counties; and the counties of Humbolt, Washoe, Pershing, Churchill, Storey, Lyon, Mineral, Douglas, and Carson City in the State of Nevada.
The PAUSATF stages annual Grand Prix series of races for each of these disciplines, Road Racing, Cross Country, Ultra-Running, Track & Field, and Race Walking. Cross Country Grand Prix races include prize money for each race and for the winners in the series overall standings. Standings are maintained and prize money offered for both individuals and teams.
List of articles covering this season's cross country races:
The PAUSATF recognizes competitors based on age-division and gender. Men and women compete for separate standings and prize money. Athletes under age 39 compete in the open division. Athletes aged 40 and older compete in the masters division. Older athletes compete as seniors (50-59), super-seniors (60-69) and veterans (70 & over). Older athletes are eligible for prize money and standings in the younger age-divisions.
The PAUSATF also hosts a youth series of Cross Country and Track & Field events, which culminate in an Association Championship, with opportunities to compete in Regional and National level Championships, but there is no prize money offered or standings maintained for the young athletes.
Anyone can compete at a PAUSATF Cross Country race, upon the payment of the usual $15-20 race fee. In order to qualify for the standings and prize money you must be actively registered with the PAUSATF. Registration is with the USATF, you will be placed into an association based on your mailing address. Clubs that wish to compete for the team standings and prize money must also be registered with the PAUSATF for the current year. While members of other associations may compete in PAUSATF races, they are not eligible for the prize money or standings. Many other associations offer similar programs, although the Pacific Association is unmatched for it's quantity and quality of events and participation.
The PAUSATF also hosts a youth series of Cross Country and Track & Field events, which culminate in an Association Championship, with opportunities to compete in Regional and National level Championships, but there is no prize money offered or standings maintained for the young athletes.
While there are literally thousands of runners attending road races throughout the region on any given weekend, a very small percentage of these ever attend a cross country race. There are many serious and highly competive runners participating at the cross country races, and this may prove daunting to the typical fun runner, but not everyone in attendance is fast. There is always room for new faces, and the fun runner who ventures out for a cross country race will discover some of these benefits:
- Beautiful courses - most road races just don't compare
- Natural terrain - cross country courses are almost always easier on the legs than asphalt
- Lower entry fees - and you don't have to stuff your drawer with another t-shirt, plus no expo to attend in advance
- Later start times - depending on the event and race division, most cross country races start a little later in the day than the typical road race (more sleep time)
- More sociable - club participation and an annual series of events means people see each other week to week, year to year
- Competition - prize money and age-division standings give an opportunity to compete for something more than a ribbon or medal
You don't have to be in shape to run cross country. You run cross country to get into shape. Come on out and run a cross country race this season.
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