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There are two different forms of endurance or sustained activities in athletics, both of which take
place on different kinds of terrain. These are;
Track
Many organised track & field competitions incorporate races up to 1500m in length for athletes
in the under 13 age group. There is nothing wrong with young athletes running these distances
but it is important not to simulate the intensive training schedules that these events require for
older athletes.
Cross Country
Cross country will provide excellent groundwork for cardiovascular fitness and strength endurance
for other events, in addition to being an event in itself. Cross country should not be limited to winter
as summer runs can also be most enjoyable and provide valuable variations to training sessions.
Cross country can be in a variety of landscapes including urban parkland, open country,
woodland or even on the beach. For safety reasons, including the risk of injury, younger children
should always be accompanied on cross country by a teacher, coach or other suitably experienced
senior athlete.
Relaxed runs with varied effort are recommended so that young athletes can endure the distance
and not get distressed through overexertion. Young athletes should try to make use of the terrain
and run freely, relaxed and not struggling. The use of runs of varying pace from slow to fast, known
more commonly as Fartlek, is a widely used and recognised training exercise.
Although there are plenty of individual competitions for the more talented children, we recommend
that events for groups of children up to the age of 13 are held in the form of team events or relays
as opposed to individual championships. More details are given in the competition section of this
book. When presented well, cross country can be an enjoyable activity for all. I would advise,
however, that children are encouraged to participate, rather than it be made compulsory.
For guidance, the maximum distances recommended for cross country events for young athletes
are as follows:
Road Running
Although fine for youths and older adults, excessive running on hard surfaces should be avoided
for young athletes who are in growth development because it can cause joint problems, particularly
in the knees and the arches of the feet.
Hill and Fell Running
Hill and fell running is a specialist endurance activity which needs to be properly supervised.
The Fell Runners’ Association would readily give advice and guidance to those wishing to take part.
It should also be noted that rambling and hill walking are excellent exercises to promote general
fitness and should therefore be encouraged.
INTRODUCTION
TYPES OF ENDURANCE OR ‘SUSTAINED’ ACTIVITIES
AN INTRODUCTIONTO
ENDURANCERUNNING
SECTION 1
12
Running
- which includes:
Walking
- which takes place on:
Track
Tracks
Cross country
Roads
Road
Hill and fell
Girls & boys under 13 years & over 11 years 3000 metres
Girls & boys under 11 years
2000 metres
Girls & boys under 10 years
1500 metres
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