The word "cross", which came from the English language, has many meanings. This is running, and skiing, and horseback riding, and competitions on bicycles, motorcycles and cars. Where does this variety come from and what do all these species have in common?
Cross country is a cross country run. At first, this sport was called "cross-country" (cross-country) and consisted of overcoming long distances in the open air. "Cross country" is translated from English as "to cross the countryside." There are sources indicating that the first cross country competition was held over 150 years ago. This sport originated in England and was very popular. Athletes had to run with various descents and ascents and overcome obstacles: a fence, a wooden bridge over a stream, a ravine. The availability and ease of running have made cross-country competitions very popular. The first international tournament was held in Scotland in 1903. And in 1912, the cross was included in the program of the Olympic Games. But the negative attitude from the officials of the International Athletics Federation led to the exclusion of the sport from international competitions as early as 1924. Fortunately, this has not diminished the popularity of cross-country running. More and more runners went out to the distance. After all, cross is an opportunity to test your strength, to feel like a member of a large sports family and to spend time with benefit and pleasure. The almost complete absence of rules allows cross to be considered one of the most democratic sports, and makes running in open areas very affordable. The International Athletics Association only gives some recommendations when organizing a running track. Hills and slopes should be as gentle as possible. Difficulties, such as ravines and swamps, are generally excluded. The main thing is to run on open ground, and not on asphalt paths. In addition, distances are clearly defined for different categories of runners. Depending on age or gender, you will have to run distances of 12, 8, 6 or 4 kilometers. Today, with the development of various types of transport, such sports as motocross, cyclocross, autocross have appeared. They involve holding competitions on rough terrain with natural relief. The very original name "cross-country" is officially assigned to one of the types of cycling. Moreover, this type of mountain bike has been officially included in the program of the Olympic Games since 1996. But the running version still has not returned there. However, in 1973, the IAAF re-designated the cross-country competition as international, and from this year the official world championship has been held. Gradually, the democratic nature of outdoor running led to the division of the "Cross of Nations" into two categories. The first is a professional one; a very small number of athletes perform here. The second category is mass competitions in which anyone can take part. In 2004, Russia joined the international cross movement. For the first time, the All-Russian Day of Running received a second name - "Cross of Nations". The Russians have joined the multi-million dollar army of running fans around the world. The "Cross of Nations" competition is held annually in many cities of Russia. And the number of venues is increasing every time.
