Crosscountry

Crosscountry, often written cross-country, refers to activities that move across natural terrain rather than on roads or fixed tracks. In sport the term most commonly designates cross-country running and cross-country skiing, but it is also used for endurance events such as mountain biking, cyclo-cross, and various motorized disciplines. The common element is ongoing navigation and endurance over varied surfaces and elevations.

Cross-country running is a discipline of athletics where races take place on grass, trails, and uneven ground. Courses emphasize endurance, strength, and maneuverability, with distances typically ranging from around 5 to 12 kilometers for adults, depending on age group and competition level. International competition is governed by World Athletics, with national federations organizing national championships; major events include world championships and continental cups.

Cross-country skiing is a winter sport in which athletes ski over prepared or natural snow on either classic (skating) technique. Races include sprints, middle-distance, long-distance, and relays, with Olympic events and a World Cup circuit overseen by the International Ski Federation (FIS). Courses vary from rolling terrain to steep sections, with equipment including skis, boots, and poles.

Other forms described as cross-country include cross-country cycling, notably cross-country mountain biking, which is governed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), and gravel or endurance riding. Cyclo-cross combines riding and running on mixed surfaces and is sanctioned by national federations and cycling bodies. In some contexts, "crosscountry" also refers to long-distance motorized expeditions or rallies over diverse terrain.

Training for cross-country disciplines emphasizes aerobic endurance, technique across terrain, and efficient navigation or line selection. Competition safety considerations include weather, terrain hazards, equipment checks, and environmental impact. The popularity of cross-country stems from its emphasis on versatility and outdoor endurance, with events offered across a range of seasons by national and international sport organizations.