Cross Country Running
Cross Country competition is conducted during the Autumn/Winter months on Saturday afternoons at various venues around the Shoalhaven, catering for all ages and abilities, with handicap start times. A variety of distances are offered – 1km, 2km, 3km, 5km, 10km.
About Cross Country Running
Historically, according to the World Athletics definition, cross country running takes place on grass or woodland courses and might also include stretches of gravel paths, road and hills. Nowra Athletics Club courses stay true to this definition with a variety of surfaces provided on a selection of courses around the Shoalhaven. The courses include uneven ground with natural obstacles such as sticks, tree roots and rocks. While all care will be taken, it is acknowledged that in places the trails will be a little rough underfoot and at times they may be wet or muddy. We ask that you exercise care when running on these courses and adjust your stride and speed accordingly.
Nowra Athletics Club Cross Country Competition
Our competition caters for athletes of all ages and abilities with varying distances available to suit the long distance enthusiasts, the super- fast elite runner, the steady jogger who just wants to keep fit, the school-aged athlete who wants to train for school events or just the beginner. Walkers are welcome too!
The scenery of many of the courses is worth taking in!
Handicapped Starts
Most club runs are handicapped, with the slower runners starting first and the faster runners starting last with everyone else in between. Points are allocated for each runner in the order they cross the line, so the runner who finishes first is the winner and gets the top points allocated. Through our handicapping, all runners are offered the opportunity to ‘win’, not just the fastest runners. In this way we aim to provide more motivation to all members to continue to race and enjoy their sport.
Some races may have a sealed handicap where athletes start at the same time. After the race is complete, the officials will adjust the finish times using the handicap times to determine the net time for each athlete. In this case, the athlete with the lowest net time is the winner.
Event Timing
Nowra Athletics Club uses a manual timing process. Times are recorded with a stopwatch on the finish line.
Finishing positions are allocated using finishing tags. The runner’s finishing position and runner’s name is documented at the results desk.
Extreme Weather Policy
Nowra Athletics Club refers to Athletics NSW Weather Policy for guidance in cancelling or modifying club cross country events if extreme weather conditions prevail. The safety of our athletes, volunteers, officials, and spectators is our highest priority.
Our cross country events are held in natural environments, which can be affected by changing or extreme weather conditions. For example, courses that run through tree-covered areas may become unsafe during periods of strong or gusty winds, due to the risk of falling branches. We are committed to conducting all events as safely as possible, with careful consideration for both participant wellbeing and the preservation of our natural surroundings.
In the event of extreme weather, including but not limited to severe heat, storms, lightning, high winds, heavy rain or poor air quality, the following measures may be implemented:
• Event postponement, modification or cancellation if conditions are deemed unsafe.
• Course adjustments to avoid hazardous or environmentally sensitive areas.
• Continuous monitoring of weather forecasts and on-ground conditions.
• Clear communication to all participants regarding any changes.
We ask all participants and spectators to respect these decisions, which are made in the interest of safety and the long-term preservation of the beautiful areas we are privileged to run in.
For full details, please refer to the Extreme Weather Policy
Nowra Athletics Club also always encourages everyone involved in club activities to be conscious of their own personal health and safety.
Please consult the Nowra Athletics Club Facebook page for up-to-date information prior to each event.
Cross Country Venues
We’re lucky to have access to a variety of beautiful cross country courses right here in the Shoalhaven. From bush tracks to paddocks, our athletes get to enjoy running in some of the best natural settings the region has to offer.
UOW Shoalhaven – Our new home of running. A mixture of grass and bush trails, plus plenty of kangaroos and amazing scenery. Located at George Evans Rd, West Nowra.
Longreach Rd – An old favourite. Fire trail for runners 1km to medium. Long course runners, mostly gravel road, some trails and a bitumen section with a long hill. Find the course by turning right off Yalwal Rd into Longreach Rd.
Huskisson – All distances use the Huskisson fire trails. A fairly flat, fast course. The course starts behind Huskisson soccer fields. Coming into Huskisson from Nowra, take the first right after Husky Sports Bowling Club into Kioloa Street.
Hollyhill – Pure cross country course with grass and some testing hills. This is private property located at 48 Main Rd, Cambewarra with the beautiful backdrop of Cambewarra Mountain. Look for the big green shed.
Click for Venues & Directions.
ANSW Cross Country Competition
In addition to local cross country competition, members can also enter championship events conducted by ANSW.
ANSW Cross Country Competition – Nowra Athletics Club.