<P> The course should have 400 to 1,200 m (440 to 1,310 yd) of level terrain before the first turn, to reduce contact and congestion at the start . However, many courses at smaller competitions have their first turn after a much shorter distance . </P> <P> Courses for international competitions consist of a loop between 1750 and 2000 meters . Athletes complete three to six loops, depending on the race . Senior men compete on a 12 - kilometre course . Senior women and junior men compete on an 8 - kilometre course . Junior women compete on a 6 - kilometre course . </P> <P> In the United States, college men typically compete on 8 km (5.0 mi) or 10 km (6.2 mi) courses, while college women race for 5 km (3.1 mi) or 6 km (3.7 mi). High school courses are generally 5 km (3.1 mi). </P> <P> All runners start at the same time, from a starting arc (or line) marked with lines or boxes for each team or individual . An official, 50 meters or more in front of the starting line, fires a pistol to indicate the start . If runners collide and fall within the first 100 meters, officials can call the runners back and restart the race, however this is done only once . Crossing the line or starting before the starting pistol is fired is considered a false start and most often results in disqualification of the runner . </P>

What distance do high school cross country runners run