Course Profile

The state cross country course is located on the campus of Davis and Elkins College in beautiful Elkins, WV. The state meet will be held on November 1 of this year, which could make for a chilly race for the runners.

The starting line is located on the college's athletic fields, allowing for a relatively flat start. The runners have a short distance to go before being funneled around a 90-degree turn around a backstop. They then begin a long loop around the football and soccer fields on a narrow gravel path with a slight uphill climb and a short downhill descent. Runners then exit the athletic field area, crossing the parking lot to face the beginning of a rather tough hill.

The hill starts off innocently enough, however, after only a short climb of about 150 yards, the runners make a right turn up a very steep incline of about 75 yards. Once the runners top this grade, they leave the sight of spectators and begin a twisting maze of trails through the woods. (Are there still trees to hurdle?)

Runners soon enter the field of vision of the spectators once again, as they come hurtling down the trails to connect to the 150 yard grade. As they enter the area of the athletic fields once again, the runners must swerve left down a gentle grade. Spectators will lose sight of the runners as the slope yields to twisting, forested trails. However the runners are introduced to a new obstacle-- water.

The first stream crossing can be a mental and physical challenge for the runners as they struggle to regain warmth and attempt to loosen up from the cold water. With soggy shoes, the runners must wend their ways through grassy fields and more forest trails.

Gathered by the 2nd stream crossing, spectators will catch glimpses of the returning runners as they appear between breaks in distant trees. Soon, a cheer will arise as the lead runners are spotted heading for the water.

With two or three strides, the runners will splash through the stream, turning a hard left to retrace steps run at the beginning of the race. Around the gravel path the runners make one last loop, until the old train caboose is passed and the final stretch looms ahead. Here runners will strain and valiantly give their final burst of energy to cross the finish line!