Cross Country

First sanctioned for girls in 1966, cross country is special in Iowa, as the season ends with a co-ed state tournament at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge.

Though many believe it’s is an individual sport, cross country is a team sport where runners compete to earn the individual top spot while helping their team’s overall finish. Fans must pay attention, as even though the top five finishers determine the team’s final score, the runners in the middle of the pack are crucial to determining the final score. This unique setup teaches personal goal setting and life lessons in addition to breeding team camaraderie.

Season Information

Dates & Guidelines

The following dates and guidelines have been approved for the 2026-27 school year.

  • First practice: Monday, August 10

  • First competition: Monday, August 24

  • Playing dates: 10

  • Scrimmages: 1

  • State qualifying meet: Class 4A and 3A - Wednesday, October 21; Class 2A and 1A - Thursday, October 22  

  • State meet: Class 2A and 1A - Friday, October 30; Class 4A and 3A - Saturday, October 31 in Fort Dodge

Individual and Team Participation Limitations

All classes will run seven, count five at state qualifying and state meet (may run six and count four during regular season). Junior high and high school students may not run together in the same race. Jewelry is legal.

2025 CROSS COUNTRY MEET CENTRAL
Documents & Forms
Classifications
2025 Final Classifications (8/27)
Rules and Regulations
2025 Cross Country Manual
Safety Information
Course Recommendations
Memos
Postseason & Results
IATC Race Results
IATC Individual Rankings
IATC Team Rankings
crosscountryratings.com
Record Book & Archives
Cross Country Record Book (updated through 2025 State Meet)
2025 State Cross Country Meet Central
Miscellaneous
Concussion Symptom Checklist Form
Concussion Recovery Teacher Feedback Form

News

Class 3A and 4A State Qualifying Cross Country Meet Results

 October 22nd, 2025 in Cross Country

The results from the Class 3A and 4A state qualifying cross country meets have been posted.

Read More

2025 State Cross Country Qualifying Meet Sites

 September 2nd, 2025 in Cross Country

The 2025 State Cross Country Qualifying Meet Sites for all classes have been released.

Read More

View all Cross Country news >

Partner Organizations

The IGHSAU thanks its official partners for their continued support of the Iowa Girl. Their investments allow the IGHSAU to provide the very best championship experiencer for student-athletes across the state while continuing the vision and mission established by longtime Executive Director E. Wayne Cooley.

Our Sponsors