Nittany Cross Country Open

The objective of this event is to provide local area runners with a competitive opportunity in as safe a setting as possible. Many road races and cross country meets have been cancelled in the past few months and this is an excellent opportunity to benefit the health and well being of the community. The health and safety of the volunteers, participants, and local community will guide the decision making of the organizers.

Men and women will race separately with men racing first and women following. The course is 5K cross country course run primarily on grass with rolling hills.  Each race will use a staggered start utilizing the supplied estimated times to create competitive waves so please provide a realistic finish time when you register. Each race is limited to 60 participants.  In order to allow adequate spacing between races, men are expected to finish the 5K race in less than 35 minutes; women are expected to finish in less than 45 minutes.

Any youth athlete who would like to participate, but would be financially strained by the registration fee, should contact the race organizer at ntfxc.treasurer@gmail.com to request a fee waiver.

More details about the course, parking, and potential modifications to the safety procedures will be posted closer to the event date.

PLEASE READ THE COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN BELOW. If you are uncomfortable following those restrictions, do not register!  The organizers reserve right to modify these restrictions. If the event has to be cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns or government restrictions, all entry fees will be considered donations. Nittany Track and Field, a 501(c)3 non-profit, with the support of Centre Region Parks and Recreation, will serve as the primary organizer of the event. Any proceeds will benefit NTF’s youth athletics development mission with a particular focus on supporting high school age cross country runners.

COVID-19 Safety Plan:

• • Total number of participants will be limited to 200 athletes to ensure that athletes plus volunteers/officials do not exceed 250 people.
  • All participants and volunteers are required to wear masks when not racing or actively warming up for the race.
  • All registration will be in advance online. No race day registration.
  • Check-in area will be designed to maintain  social distancing.
  • Participants will be encouraged to warm up away from the race course if practical.
  • Races will use staggered starts, as needed, to ensure distancing at the start line.  The final structure of the start will depend upon the size of the start line and number of competitors.
  • Measures will be taken to avoid athlete crowding near the start and finish area. Staging for staggered starts will ensure social distancing. Athletes will be directed away from the finish area as soon as they finish.
  • Timing will use FAT (camera) timing if possible to avoid the need for chips and limit athlete/volunteer interaction at the finish line.  
  • Volunteers will work to ensure there is no congregating at the start or finish line. Officials and volunteers will be the only ones allowed in the immediate start and finish area. 
  • Flagging and stakes will be used wherever needed to keep non-participants off the course. 
  • Upon registration all participants will be required to acknowledge that they are not allowed to compete if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, have travelled to high-risk states (as defined by PA DOH) in the previous 2 weeks, or have been in recent close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Signs will be posted around the start and finish areas that reiterate mask requirements and encourage social distancing.
  • No team/spectator tents allowed. 
  • No post-race food will be provided.  There may be bottled water available if the temperature is dangerously high. Athletes are advised to bring their own water.
  • Participants are asked to leave immediately after their race so as to avoid crowding. 
  • Results will be posted online only.
  • No awards ceremony.  Athletes will be able to pick up awards individually.