Long-distance running over open country.
It developed as a competitive event in the mid-19th century. Though originally included in the revived Olympics, it was dropped after 1924 as not suitable for summer competition (most cross-country races are held in the fall or early winter). The first international women's competition was held in 1967. Standard distances are 12,000 m (7.5 mi) for men, and 2,0005,000 m (1.253 mi) for women. Though rules for championship competitions have been established, world records are not kept because of the varying difficulty of courses.