response: Is that why the runners are sometimes called ''harriers''?
history: My new obsession is cross country running. I love running out in nature and dirt trails. Interesting. The courses can pass through several areas like woodlands, hills, or even gravel roads. Are you training for an event? Yes, I am! I'm training to compete, which most competitions take place in fall and winter, but worried about running when it rains or snows. That will be even more of a challenge. Oh, that's interesting. Yes, the competitions can be in many different kinds of weather. How long are the courses? A course can be from 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 miles long. My farthest has been 3 miles so far. Formal competitions go back to a 19th century English game called ''hare and hound'' or ''the paper chase''
knowledge: Sometimes the runners are referred to as ''harriers'' (dogs).