Those who think cross country runners always have easy terrain to run on during races, look again. Check out the photo with this blog of a small portion of the Burke Lake Park course.
This uphill section is in the final mile. This is a dirt drainage section, basically, that has virtually no grass, many rocks (some loose) and tree roots jutting up a few inches, that can easily be tripped on if not properly negotiated by the runners.
In the fall, slippery leaves fall and collect in this spot, as well, causing other issues for runners. It’s one of those short sections of the 2.98-mile course that takes paying much attention to by the runners so as not to fall, trip and break their momentum.
All cross country courses offer different and unique challenges for the runners. This is just one example.
– Dave Facinoli
dfacinoli@sungazette.net