Cross-country racing is a sport that involves running over natural terrain, typically through fields, forests, and hills. Races can vary in distance, usually ranging from 3 to 12 kilometers, and are often held in scenic outdoor locations. Participants navigate various surfaces, including grass, dirt, and mud, which adds to the challenge of the race. This sport is popular at both the amateur and professional levels, with many schools and colleges hosting cross-country teams that compete in local and national events. Runners are often grouped by age and gender, and races are timed to determine the fastest competitors.