This fall, I was lucky enough to be invited to join two phenomenal teachers and coaches and work with my former school’s cross country team. Until the end of September, I got to spend a few mornings a week with sixty 11-13 year olds who love to run.  Nothing makes me happier than the bubbling chatter of dozens of kids while running, the tapping of young feet on the pavement and swishing of gravel under their shoes.  There are many other reasons to love the cross country season, and there are many, many benefits for those youth who toe the line.

Participation: In my board, all kids can run cross-country.  It doesn’t matter if they are the fastest or the slowest.  What counts is that kids make a committment, show up to practise, and do their best on race day.  For those who are not top athletes – the kids who always try out for teams but never earn a spot – the principle of participation is invaluable.  Cross country lets kids be part of a team.  They train together, feel included and build friendships.  They support one another with smiles, high fives and words of encouragement during practices and cheer for each other on race day.

Building Confidence: Cross country also builds a student’s mental health.  It is almost impossible for someone to make a committment to team and follow through without seeing improvement and feeling good about it.  This, in turn, can only lead to kudos and praise from their peers, teachers and parents.  Cross country gives every runner a chance to shine.  Whether they are the fastest or running with the goal of just finishing, they will be recognized for accomplishing something great.

Geing Physically Active:  When I taught Grades 7 and 8, my classes could not wait for their Daily Physical Activity (DPA) break as they loved to get outside and play.  As a nation, this is something that we need to work at: motivating our kids to be more active.  According to the 2022 Participaction Report, only 28% of kids and teens meet the guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day. The Canadian Women and Sport report similarly states that 50% of Canadian girls are not participating in any kind of sport.  By coaching cross country, I am doing what I can to encourage our youth to have a more active lifestyle.

Many consider cross country to be an entry level sport.  It is often a child’s first introduction to a team sport and they develop skills that are easily transferred to other sports.  But it is much, much more than that.  Because it is accessible to all, cross country has a positive impact on a child’s physical, mental and social health.  But don’t tell the kids that.  They keep showing up because it is a load of fun.