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2025 Cross Country Season

Proudly hosted by Northern Metro Region Athletics, this season is a great opportunity for young athletes to get active and enjoy running in a fun, friendly, and supportive environment. Open to kids aged 5 to 17, cross country is a fantastic way to build endurance, strength, and confidence—while enjoying the great outdoors!

What is Cross Country

Cross Country is a long-distance running event held on natural terrain such as grass, dirt tracks and parklands.  Unlike track events, cross country take place on varied courses with hills, turns and changing surfaces, making it a unique and exciting challenge for all participants.  Athletes compete over different distances depending on their age group from 500m to 3kms.  See table below for more details.  Athletes from Under 9-17 also have the opportunity to compete at Region and State Cross Country events throughout the season. 

Age Group

Distance Ran

Under 6

500m

Under 7 & 8

1km

Under 9 & 10

1.5km

Under 11 & 12

2km

Under 13-17

3kms
Benefits of Participating in Cross Country
  • Improves Fitness and Endurance - Regular running helps build cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and overall physical strength in a fun and natural way.
  • Encourages Outdoor Activity - Cross country takes place in parks and open spaces, giving kids a great reason to enjoy fresh air and connect with nature.
  • Builds Confidence and Resilience - Tackling different courses and distances helps young athletes develop a growth mindset and feel proud of their progress.
  • Fosters Friendships and Team Spirit - Although cross country is often an individual sport, competing together creates strong bonds and a supportive community.
  • Teaches Goal Setting and Personal Achievement - Kids learn to set goals, track their improvements, and celebrate personal bests—no matter where they place in the race.
2025 Season Details & How to Get Involved

The Northern Metro Region (NMR) Cross Country Season runs for the 3rd May until End of August with races held on Saturday mornings at a variety of different venues within NMR including but not limited to the following:

  • Harold Stevens Athletics Track (C/o Coburg LAC)
  • Moonee Valley Athletics Track (C/o Essendon LAC)
  • Bundoora Park (C/o Diamond Valley Lac & Whittlesea City LAC)
  • Keilor Park Recreation Reserve (C/O Keilor LAC)
  • Hawkstowe Park Recreation Reserve

Whittlesea City Little Athletics are encouraged to join and will be representing Whittlesea City rather than their individual clubs at the NMR cross country.

2025 Calendar / Time Table

Will be released ASAP via Team App below.  First competition is planned for Saturday the 3rd May at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.

    NEW ATHLETES

    Free Trial Athlete Offer

    If you were not registered for the 2024/25 Summer Little Athletics season, you can register as a Trial Athlete at the following link, Whittlesea City LAC Cross Country- Trial Offer  and select the ‘Buy Tickets’ button.

    As a Trial Athlete your child can compete free of charge at 2 competition days and any training days during a 28 day trial period.

    During the trial period when attending competition you will need to show the email you received from LA Vic as part of the registration options detailed above. 

    For weekly competition trials please also print out the Trial Registration Patch. 

    Once you have completed your 2 free trial competitions you will need to register as a financial member, 2025 Fees are $75.00 per Athlete.

    Join Now

    Should you wish to sign up you can register without the Trial please follow this link Whittlesea City LAC Cross Country- Registration

    EXISTING SUMMER TRACK & FIELD ATHLETES

    All registered Little Athletes from U6 to U17 registered for the Summer Season have access to the cross country free of charge (included in Summer fees).

    Log in to results HQ and click on the nominations section and accept division one cross country.

    UNIFORM

    Whittlesea City Uniform is recommended and can be purchased by contacting Nancy on 0439 429 991.

    REGISTRATION PATCHES

    Registration patches from the summer season must be worn.  If you have misplaced your TAG our registrar can reprint for a cost of $5. Please contact Sara on: 0421-638 643.

    TRAINING

    Diamond Valley Little Athletics kindly offer WCLAC little athletes training.

    Training will commence Monday 28th May and is as follows:

    Mondays at 5pm Willinda Park.

    Wednesday as 4.30 pm at Eltham Lower Park (miniature train). Not suitable for inexperienced runners or athletes under 10 years of age. Younger athletes can still attend but must be accompanied by a parent whilst running on the trails.

    Parents must be present throughout the whole training session and are encouraged to assist in the training sessions. Please contact Brad on 0419 877 599 for more information regarding training.

    COMMUNICATION

    All information about the Division one weekly Cross country competitions including results will be communicated via Team App, you can join the group at the following link Division One Cross Country- Team App

    As a reminder, all parent/guardians must abide by LAVic’s Child Safe requirements in that all Little Athletes must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all Training and Competitions.

    FURTHER INFORMATION

    For registration enquiries please contact Sara on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for all other enquiries please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..