Youth Cross Country

Youth cross country runs from September through the end of the year. During the season, we focus on longer distances and hill repeats, as cross country races tend to be longer than track events and often include hilly terrain.

For age groups, the race distances vary: U10 (under 10 years old, typically ages 8 and 9) usually compete in races ranging from 1 to 1.5 kilometers. U12 and U14 athletes race 2 to 2.5 kilometers, while U16 athletes run up to 4 kilometers. U18 athletes race 6 kilometers, and for U20 and older, the race distances range from 8 to 10 kilometers.

For elementary school athletes, the primary cross country races are the area and city championships hosted by their respective school boards, as well as the Athletics Ontario Provincial Cross Country Championships. They are typically held from late October to mid-November.

High school runners have several important competitions. The OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) Cross Country Championships feature teams and individual athletes from across Ontario. Athletes must qualify through their respective conferences: TDSSAA (Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association) for Toronto public schools and TDCAA (Toronto District Catholic Athletics Association) for Catholic schools in Toronto. Additionally, there is the Athletics Ontario Cross Country Championships, a provincial competition. Finally, the Athletics Canada Cross Country Championships is a national event for U16 athletes and older, where the best runners from across the country compete. This event also serves as the qualifier for Team Canada at the World Cross Country Championships, held every two years.

TOC is proud to have athletes representing Canada at the 2024 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, and at the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia.