Hey guys, I am relatively new to distance running so forgive my ignorance. I have a few questions. I have noticed that in some cross country races, the athletes line up at the starting line and the gun goes off. In others, everyone starts a few meters back, a whistle is blown, everyone jogs up to the starting line, and then the gun goes off. What is the reason for this difference in procedure? Thank you.
I have never seen a cross country race start a few steps back from the line. This is usually done in track. I think it is just to keep runners relaxed and standing upright opposed to being in the starting position on the line, but not sure.
When I was in HS, they started every race at the line. Today, most distance races do the run up thing. Personally, I think the run up is moronic, but it is in the rules, so...
Yeah I knew it was done in track. But I was watching a video a Footlocker cross country regional race from one year and they started a little father back and then moved up once the whistle blew and ran when the gun went off.
It makes no sense to do it, because it leads to false starts. Why would you false start in a distance race? That head start is not enough to make a difference. The whole rule is moronic.