In the early 19th century cross counrty was called paper chasing or hare and hounds. The "hares" satrted a little bit before the did "hounds" and left a trail of paper shreads for the "hounds" to follow and find the "hares". Cross country runner become to be known as harriers after a small hound use to case hares.
The english championships for senior distance was 10 miles long in 1877. the famous Midlands Club’s Birchfield harriers won many of these events. The numbers of runners in these events whent from 33 in the frist race to 900 runners in the second haft of the 20th centery.
The frist international race was held in 1898 between England and France and in 1903 championships stared spreading though out the world. Frist in 1903 England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales started having championships then in 1907 France first competed in this championship. Followed by Belgium in 1924; Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland first competed in 1929. Other countries entered the international competition after World War II.
Cross country was in the Olympic Games during the early 1900’s, but was dropped because it isn’t a traditional summer game, compared to Track and Field.
It's Cross Country Season! By:Trekkermom CC-NC-ND https://goo.gl/images/PLE7eT