A-PLUS Idea: St. Johns 'Under the Lights'

August 28, 2014

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Cross country runners will cover 5 kilometers a lot this fall, with unique courses and different competitors providing the variety to go with that standard race distance. 

St. Johns took changing things up another step Friday, hosting its first Redwing Under the Lights Invitational.

Racers were to compete under five light towers plus a number of loaned portable lighting units, the Lansing State Journal reported. The start came after dark at 9:30 p.m. and was a great success, athletic director Chris Ervin said – although he noted a few more lights will be added for next season's Redwing Under the Lights, already scheduled for Aug. 21, 2015. 

PHOTOS: (Top) Dusk settles Aug. 22 on St. Johns before the Redwing Under the Lights Invitational. (Middle) Runners prepare for the 9:30 p.m. race start. (Photos courtesy of St. Johns High School.)

Be the Referee: Cross Country Interference

By Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

October 31, 2023

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Cross Country Interference - Listen

I am running a great race at Michigan International Speedway. I’m about two miles into the 3.1-mile event, and I am on track to set a PR for the season.

As I run towards the next turn, a runner a few steps to my left, cuts right in front of me, causing me to slow down and nearly stumble. I regain my balance and keep going – but lose precious seconds during the altercation. Is interfering with a runner a penalty?

It is. If a race official sees a runner bump, trip, or run across another runner’s path causing them to change course or lose their natural rhythm, it’s interference. The runner charged with interference is disqualified. The runner who was interfered with continues on with his or her race.

Previous Editions

Oct. 24: Soccer Overtime - Listen
Oct. 17: Tennis Spin - Listen
Oct. 10: Blocked Kick - Listen
Oct. 3: Volleyball Double & Lift - Listen
Sept. 26: Registration Process - Listen
Sept. 20: Animal Interference - Listen
Sept. 13: Feet Rule on Soccer Throw-In - Listen
Sept. 6: Volleyball Jewelry - Listen
Aug. 30: Football Rules Similarities - Listen
Aug. 23: Football Rules Differences - Listen