Cross-country racing has no mercy when it comes to terrain, weather and competition. There are no excuses in these races because everyone deals with the same elements. There are no lanes, but trails that will be even or uneven, muddy or too dry, dusty or littered with loose grass. And the rolling hills that the athlete climbs during such races laughs at the unprepared, letting them slowly crawl up its mighty crest or roll down its bumpy grain from fatigue.