1986 to 2026 CRR Cross Country, forty years and counting (New articles in About>History added weekly)
The Nose Hill XC on February 7, 2026 is an occasion to celebrate forty years since the introduction of the Calgary Roadrunners’ cross country race series. Though it may have been incongruous for a “road running” club to expand into the realm of cross country running, the X-C series has proven to be popular with die-hard trail runners, as well as asphalt pounders who enjoy a change of running surface and scenery. The X-C schedule and venues have evolved to become a 10-race series that spans the fall and winter months in locations ranging from Okotoks in the south to every quadrant in the city of Calgary.
From the very first X-C race, a tradition of good food and camaraderie was established. The post-race tucker is a large part of what makes the X-C events so special. Besides the hot soups that are dished up and the assortment of treats on the dessert table, race participants and volunteers engage in conversation about the challenge of the day’s weather, the best and worst parts of the course, the one- on-one competition and the success or failure of certain individuals to stay on the marked course.
What follows are selected articles from the archives of the Calgary Roadrunners’ newsletters that illustrate how the series got underway and how the series adopted a X-C relay. The past race results identify the individuals who comprised (and many still remain active in) the community of cross country enthusiasts.