Distances

Courses for international competitions consist of a loop between 1750 and 2000 meters. Athletes complete three to six loops, depending on the race. Senior men compete on a 12 kilometre course. Senior women and junior men compete on an 8 kilometre course. Junior women compete on a 6 kilometre course.In the United States, college men typically compete on 8 km (5.0 mi) or 10 km (6.2 mi) courses, while college women race for 5 km (3.1 mi) or 6 km (3.7 mi). High school courses may be as short as 2.5 km (1.6 mi), but the most common distances are 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) for male runners and also 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) female runners. Junior high races are typically 1.3 miles.