December 1st, 2025

Written by Olivia, a WRDSB secondary student

Running as part of a Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) secondary cross country team can be a rewarding opportunity to make friends, increase physical activity and enjoy nature. Looking back on the 2025-26 cross country season, each race brought new challenges, stunning scenery, and unforgettable memories.

While running can seem intimidating, it’s worth giving it a shot! There’s a wonderful community here at the WRDSB that will support you no matter what stage you’re in – from a beginner to an experienced runner. Whether aiming for a new personal record (PR), a title for your school, or running with friends from various schools, cross country is bound to have something for you. This season has been packed with lovely courses, only a small amount of rain, and many learning experiences.

The Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association (WCSSAA) course, located at the University of Waterloo, provided runners with flat, corn field-covered terrain, contrasting the Central Western Ontario Secondary School Association (CWOSSA) course’s twisty, winding hills at a golf course in Guelph.

Every race’s layout was different; however, some courses were favoured amongst athletes, such as the Shades Mills Run located in Cambridge, featuring large hills that were difficult to navigate in the beginning. It quickly found its way into the hearts of many accomplished runners who conquered the Shades Mills hills and finished the race.

Another crowd favourite was the CWOSSA course. The scenery of the leaves falling made all the difference when seeking motivation during the final stretch. Regardless of weather conditions, athletes remained resilient and powered through the mental obstacles that come with distance running.

About Cross Country Running

For those interested in picking up cross country running in the future, the Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute’s team provided some tips to keep you motivated when out for a run:

Breathing Is Crucial

Breathing varies from person to person, but it’s encouraged to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, controlled and steady.

Pump Your Arms

Though it can often be neglected, pumping arms is crucial throughout any race, but especially useful when conquering uphills or when needing that extra push.

Motivate Your Mind

Long-distance running can be just as much about mental fitness as physical. Finding a tool for distraction like admiring the scenery or focusing on the next step can help keep you motivated instead of focusing on how tired you may feel.

Have the Gear

Spikes, shoes, lucky socks, or the most athletic workout clothes won’t necessarily make you the best runner. All you need is running shoes, a water bottle and a positive attitude!

Try YOUR Best

People have different goals and motivations when they begin running. Cross country is versatile in that whether you win a race, break a personal record, make a friend, or even just finish the race, it all comes down to doing YOUR best!

To anyone contemplating or considering cross country, give it a try next fall. You will not regret it!

#StudentVoice Series

This article is written by a WRDSB student. Student journalists embody WRDSB’s commitment to creating space for students to tell their stories. They are ambassadors for their peers as they share their personal experiences and stories about their schools and communities in their unique voices.