August 1, 2022
VIA EMAIL
Molly Peters Head Cross Country Coach
Saint Michael’s College
1 Winooski Park Colchester, Vermont 05439
Dear Molly:
Thank you for the proposal you submitted this past winter. The NCAA Division I, II and III committees met this summer and had an opportunity to jointly review this proposal. Upon in-depth discussion the three committees were unanimously opposed to changing the men’s and/or women’s race distances at any of the three divisions of NCAA cross country.
The committees noted that differences in sport are not uncommon among men and women. Currently in track and field men and women throw different weighted implements, jump over different height hurdles, etcetera. Additionally, it was noted that an increase in the women’s distance could have a negative affect and it could also impact race density and spread at the national championships. It was specifically noted on the men’s side that lowering the distance from 10k to 8k at Divisions I and II would cause greater density in the race which would become problematic in the conduct of competition. With the current race distances for men and the current race distances for women, you have similar amounts of competition time spent running per gender.
The committees also noted that increasing the women’s distance could be detrimental and consequential to women’s cross country and result in reduced participation. Ultimately the committee members felt strongly that although race distances are different, the experience is equitable and of quality for each gender.
Sincerely, Ervin Lewis Ervin Lewis University of North Florida Deputy AD – Facilities & Operations and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Athletics, NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Committee Chair.
Chris Bradford California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Head Coach – Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Chair.
Mike Howard Plattsburgh State University of New York, Director of Athletics, NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Committee Chair
EL/CB/MH:jm cc: Sam Seemes NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Committee NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Committee NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Committee Selected NCAA Staff Members