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Girls to run 5K in cross country postseason By Chris Strunk Last Updated: June 18, 2015 Starting this fall, high school cross country postseason competition will include 5K races for girl runners. The Kansas State High School Activities Association made the change this month. The girls previously ran 4-kilometer races in regional and state competition. The boys run 5Ks. "We knew it would be coming eventually, we just didn't know when," said Amber Russell, Valley Center High School cross country assistant coach. "Many of our girls are familiar with that distance. … We'll just have to adapt their training." The distance is about one-half mile longer. "It might hurt a little bit with (participation) numbers," Russell said. "… We like to have good people around our program. … But for those kids who want to go on and run in college, it will better prepare them. I see pluses or minuses either way." The change won't apply to regular-season or league competition. The state left that decision up to individual schools and leagues. In a news release, KSHSAA said a survey of coaches and athletic directors showed increasing support for the change. It was discussed during a KSHSAA meeting in October after the association was notified of a complaint the U.S. Office of Civil Rights received. The change will not affect middle school cross country distances. |
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