Cross country racing began in Britain, the first English Championship being staged in 1876 ... although all 32 runners went off course and the race was declared void!

International competition started in 1898 with a match between England and France, while in 1903 the International Championship was inaugurated. This has grown steadily over the years, particularly since 1973 when it came under the IAAF's jurisdiction and was renamed the World Cross Country Championships.

The event has, in recent years, been dominated by African runners. Ethiopia won the men's team race from 1981 to 1985 and Kenya has triumphed every year since! Kenyans have lifted the women's team race six times between 1991 and 2000 with Ethiopia winning in 1997, 1999 and 2000.

Starting from 1998 there have been World Championships at two distances: at 4km as well as 12km for men and at 4km and 8km for women. Sonia O'Sullivan (IRL) won both titles, on successive days, in 1998.