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Alan O'Brien of Crusaders sprints for the line in Ballyhaise to win the National Novice Cross-Country title in December 2008. Photograph: sportsfile.com

The purest and probably the oldest athletic event is cross country running. A foot race between two points over whatever terrain lies in between. Be that across grassy parks, muddy fields, woodland paths or up sharp steep hills, cross country running has got it all. If that sounds appealing then cross country running may be the sport for you. If you have never run a cross country race or have not done so since your school days, there are races to suit all abilities from beginners to aspiring internationals. The cross country season spans the month from September to March and all the underfoot conditions those months bring. Cross country running is an ideal way to add a new challenge or fun alternative to racing on the roads. Additionally, cross country provides an excellent training base to prepare for track events, road races and mountain running in the summer months.

One of the greatest advantage cross country running has over other events is the strong team element. Not only are you racing for individual goals but also to attain the lowest aggregate finishing positions of all team members. In cross country, weather you are at the front of the race or further down the field your finishing position is just as important, adding that extra element that you don’t get in individual races. Crusaders fields teams in a number of cross country races throughout the winter, matching races of suitable standard to an athlete’s ability. These range from county novice grade and ‘Meet and Train’ races over short distances, for beginners to senior national championships over longer distances and of greater standard, for those of more experience.

In addition to benefiting from being able to race with a club, being a member of a club provides many benefits for training. In the dark cold winter months everyone needs a bit of extra motivation to get out and do the vital training, and no better way than being part of a training group. Crusaders have a number of training groups to match everyone’s ability and aspirations, so you never need to train alone. Not only does running in a group provide company for your long runs out on the road or around parks on dark winter nights but provides a much safer alternative to training alone. When it’s time to put in the harder training, be that interval sessions or faster paced runs, being part of a group makes the whole experience easier and more enjoyable. Crusaders provide structured training for cross country runners during the winter months (See Training for details).

The simplest way to proceed is to just turn up for the main training session of the week, on Tuesday evening in Irishtown Stadium. (See Training for details.) You will not be under any immediately obligation to join and prospective members are welcome to come along for a few weeks to see if the club suits their needs. Alternatively, just e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you have any further queries.