Cross Country in the Olympics

[runohio]

The World Athletics Council confirmed the competition format for a cross country event to be included in the Olympic Games.

The event, which has been proposed for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, would be a mixed team relay for 15 countries.

Each team would be composed of two men and two women. Each member of the team would run two legs of the 2.5km course, alternating between male and female athletes as each athlete completes the 2.5km course and hands over to a teammate.
https://worldathletics.org/news/press-release/world-athletics-olympic-cross-country-format

 

[PatHelgerman]

That's an odd format. Why the relay? I do think it's interesting that they would make it a co-ed competition though.

 

[madman]

I'm guessing that the organizers felt a team format would create more interest in the event. This team format requires only two males and two females which gives each country a better chance of being competitive and reduces the cost for each organizing committee.