Running is the purest form of competition. Nothing compares to the free-for-all between rivals, with someone rising to the occasion and only one champion being crowned, marking the fittest, toughest and fastest competitor. Here at St. Paul’s School, running occupies two seasons: cross country and track and field. Many don’t know the difference between the two, but cross country is in the fall, while track is in the spring. All high school competitors in New England cross country run a 5k race with a team-based scoring result, while track combines a variety of events from running to jumping and even throwing but includes a less-significant team scoring aspect. As a proud member of both teams for three years, I love both equally, but ultimately one has to be better than the other.
Steve Prefontaine, arguably the greatest collegiate cross country and track athlete of all time, once said: “Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.” Self-satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment are achievable in both sports. Both make it easy to see improvement and success when comparing times or marks from one’s previous competitions or even to others’ records across the country.
A fellow jaunter and member of both teams, standout Owen Gorenc ‘27 had his own opinion on the topic at hand, which he shared during an exclusive interview. Gorenc was torn when I asked him the question: “Which is better, cross country or track?”
It took a while, but eventually, he reluctantly opined that track is the superior form of competition.“I believe track is the better sport,” he said. “There is a greater number of people on the team, like more friends to talk to. And cross country only runs one race that you can’t see, but in track there are multiple, easy-to-view events.”
Gorenc has a valid argument, although he has not competed in a track and field competition during his tenure as a harrier at SPS. Moreover, he did not acknowledge the tight-knit group of teammates making up the mighty St. Paul’s cross-country team.
In cross country, teammates rely on each other for a distraction at practice, a form of competition, and most importantly they are the most crucial part of team tactics. The bonds formed between teammates are everlasting and vital for the team's success and personal satisfaction. Although track and field competitions may be more pleasant for the viewers and better for team banter, they do not decide who is the best, with javelin throwers unable to compare their mark to a 2-mile runner.
That is why, in my opinion, cross country reigns supreme in the ongoing debate of which is the better sport. All challengers, no matter their skill level, physical ability or mental toughness are on an even playing field; you choose your fate, with no referees, teammates or time-outs to save you, ultimately leading to a brawl, a clash, a war for who is the undisputed, unanimous champion. That is why cross country is the best sport.