Cross Country
Winter athletics with a difference
Cross Country is Cranbourne Little Athletics’ winter season — and it’s a completely different experience from summer Track & Field.
Forget the perfectly marked lanes and athletics track. Cross Country takes our athletes across grass, hills, trails, mud, puddles and whatever else the winter weather throws at us!
Athletes of all abilities are welcome. Whether you’re racing for a win, chasing a Personal Best, building fitness for another sport or simply enjoying a run with friends, Cross Country has something for everyone.
The Cross Country Season
The Cross Country season generally runs from April through to August.
Throughout the season, Cranbourne athletes compete as part of the Casey Cross Country Group, alongside athletes from:
- Berwick Little Athletics
- Dandenong Little Athletics
- Pakenham Little Athletics
Weekly events are held at a variety of locations throughout the Casey and surrounding area, giving athletes the opportunity to experience different courses and conditions throughout the season.
Why Cross Country?
Cross Country is a fantastic way for athletes to stay active and connected with Little Athletics throughout the cooler months.
It can help athletes:
- Maintain and improve their fitness
- Build endurance and strength
- Develop confidence running over different terrain
- Complement training for other winter sports
- Continue working towards personal goals
- Catch up with their Little Athletics friends
- Enjoy being active outdoors
Most importantly, it’s another opportunity to have fun, stay fit and enjoy athletics.
Saturday Morning Competition
Cross Country events are generally held on Saturday mornings.
Athletes should aim to arrive approximately 20 minutes before their race to allow enough time to check in and complete a warm-up.
Centre events generally:
Marshal from 8:45am
First race from 9:00am
The running order is announced on the morning of each program.
Cross Country mornings are usually completed within approximately an hour, and once an athlete has finished their event, families are free to leave.
It makes for a great way to start a Saturday morning — a run for the kids, a catch-up with friends and maybe even a coffee for the parents!
Race Distances
Approximate race distances for each age group are:
Under 6
500m
Under 7&8
1000m
Under 9&10
1500m
Under 11&12
2000m
Under 13+
3000m
Courses and exact distances may vary slightly depending on the venue and conditions.
Registration
The Cross Country season is included as part of your Cranbourne Little Athletics Track & Field registration.
There is no need for existing registered Cranbourne athletes to purchase a separate Cross Country membership.
Further information regarding participation and registration will be communicated prior to the beginning of the winter season.
2027 Cross Country Calendar
The 2027 Cross Country calendar will be published closer to the beginning of the season, expected around April 2027.
Locations, programs and any important weekly information will also be shared through Cranbourne Little Athletics’ usual communication channels.
Mud. Grass. Puddles. Friends. Fitness.
Cross Country might be a little colder and a little messier than Track & Field — but that’s all part of the fun.
We’d love to see you out there this winter.