A Cross Country for the ages to Land in Tasmania

A revitalised 2024 Chemist Warehouse Australian Cross Country and All Schools Cross Country Championships will serve as a celebration of the nation’s distance running movement in Tasmania this August, with the two-day program welcoming all from Olympic and Paralympic stars to first timers – ranging from primary aged school students through to masters.

As the distance running boom shows no sign of slowing down in Australia, Athletics Australia has expanded the traditional one-day championships centered around the nation’s elite to now include a full individual race program from kids to masters and a second day of racing with relay events suitable for run clubs, squads and schools – adding to the unique team element that cross country offers in an otherwise individual pursuit.

This is the official Australian Cross Country and All Schools Cross Country Championships event in 2024 including individual and relay events from the Under 11 age group through to the 70+ age bracket, and also integrating the official Australian UniSport Cross Country Championships and Australian Masters Cross Country Championships.

Eligibility, as in past, for the Under 11 to Under 20 individual events includes both athletes who are registered with an AA Member Association, as well as any bona fide school student. In 2024 the number of athletes from each state or territory that may be entered had increased significantly – broadening the opportunities provided through the Championships.

Taking place at Symmons Plains Raceway on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September, runners from around the country will descend upon the Australian Cross Country Championships buoyed by the momentum of the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, as the nation’s elite cross paths with the masses.

With a long list of famous names on the honour roll to have won Australian Cross Country titles, including the likes of Robert de Castella, Steve Moneghetti and Kerryn McCann, the championships which boast a rich history will shift towards a contemporary format while upholding traditional proceedings.

A two-time World Cross Country representative in 1977 and 1981, Tim O’Shaughnessy remains a key figure in distance running circles as a renowned coach to many rising juniors, also leading a powerhouse program Wesley College in Victoria’s Associated Public Schools of Victoria (APS) competition. Having seen it all on the world stage, O’Shaughnessy says the importance of cross country is not to be overlooked.

“When you look at the format of World Cross Country now; Wesley students competed in Bathurst and the highlight for them was the relay, seeing Stewy, Jess, Oli and Abbey. From my point of view, we are always looking for kids to do things as a team. We really emphasise that,” O’Shaughnessy said.

“Something like this which has a team aspect is great because it gives opportunities to everyone. It’s good to have an event where we can use our depth at that level, and to provide an opportunity to travel together.”

The Athletics Australia Life Member and former Distance Running Coordinator believes the new format will serve as a showcase of Australian distance running, encouraging all to immerse themselves in the action.

“I always promote it to the parents as being out in the fresh air, you run over different terrain, and although you have a final distance, you’re not looking at lap times. It suits the free spirit, that’s what I have always liked about it,” O’Shaughnessy said.

“The gun goes off and sometimes you don’t even know what place you are at or what distance you have run. It’s not as regulated as the track.”

Headlined by the Open Men’s and Women’s 10km races and featuring the country’s top juniors in the Under 20 Men’s 8km and Women’s 6km, the blockbuster program ranges from Under 11’s through to the Masters 70+ contests and Mixed Relays – highlighting that the event is truly for everyone. Relay entries are open to club teams, recreational running club teams, university teams or school teams.

Inspired by the World Athletics Cross Country Championships which features a Mixed 4x2km Relay with Australia winning bronze at Bathurst 2023, the event will be offered for all on Day Two of the championships, providing an added racing opportunity for athletes competing on Day One and an incentive for running teams to band together to flex their form on the national stage.

The 2024 Chemist Warehouse Australian Cross Country Championships will be held at Symmons Plains Raceway on August 31 and September 1, with more information available HERE.

Prize Money (Open Men and Women)

There will also be prize money on offer for both the Open Men’s and Open Women’s individual races. Prize money as follows:

1st place = $4,000

2nd place = $2,500

3rd place = $1,500

4th place = $1,000

5th place = $600

6th place = $400

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted 13/06/2024