History
Formal cross country competition traces its history to the 19th century and an English game called "hare and hounds" or "the paper chase". English schools started competing in cross country races in 1837, and established a national championship on December 7, 1867. It was held on Wimbledon Common in south-west London.
Most American universities and colleges field men's and women's cross country teams as part of their athletic program. Over 900 men's cross country teams and over 1000 women's cross country teams compete in the three divisions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association alone.[25] Men usually race 10 km (6.2 mi) or 8 km (5.0 mi), and women usually race 6 km (3.7 mi) or 5 km (3.1 mi).[4] The season culminates in men's and women's championships. Jr. College men often race 4 miles.
Divisions
NCAA DI
Colleges: 344
12.6 Scholarships for men per team
18.0 Scholarships for women per team
NCAA DII
Colleges: 282
12.6 Scholarships for men per team
18.0 Scholarships for women per team
NAIA
Colleges: 201
12.0 Scholarships for men per team
12.0 Scholarships for women per team
NJCAA
Colleges: 126
20.0 Scholarships for men per team
20.0 Scholarships for men per team