Cross-country runs from mid-August until the end of October for the top five boy runners and top five girl runners who go to Guam, until mid-October for everyone else.
Selection Process
Cross-country is open to all high school students in grades 9-12. There are NO TRYOUTS for cross-country. Everyone who wants to run makes the team and runs in all races held in the Manila area. All cross-country runners are considered varsity. The top seven boy runners and the top seven girl runners will be eligible for letter awards.
Expectations of Participants
Practices will be held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 2:15 to 3:45. Runners are expected to attend at least 3 of the 4 weekly practices. If a practice is missed it is assumed that the runner will run the workout (or one similar) on their own that same day. Valid excuses for missing practices fall into the following categories: academic issues, VISA/immigration issues, illness/injury, Boy Scouts, Senior Play and other emergencies handled on an individual basis. Each runner is expected to maintain their academic eligibility in order to be able to participate in races.
Non-Negotiable for Participants
Runners who participate in cross-country are expected to attend ALL Saturday races held in the Manila area. Valid excuses for missing a race fall into the following categories: academic issues, illness/injury, and other emergencies handled on an individual basis.
Challenges/Sacrifices/Time Commitments
Regular practices and Saturday races are time commitments that each runner will need to make. Letter award candidates will also typically run on their own on Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday, and Saturdays when there are no races. Typical week: four 90 minute practices a week, one race every other Saturday.
Major Events
Participate in MANSAC running events held every other Saturday morning
Possible Subic Bay out-of-town trip—sometime in September
Possible Alternate Far East Tournament in Guam—end of October
Financial Estimates
Racing uniforms (approximately 600 pesos total)
Possible Alternate Far East Tournament for the top five boy runners and top 5 girls runners only (exit clearances + $250-$600 USD depending on price of airfare and use of air miles for each family)