The SSV State Cross Country Championships are held as a combined Primary and Secondary event on the same day. If any athletes have never competed, or haven't competed in a few years, it can sometimes be hard to know what to expect.
The State Cross Country Championships is a combined Primary and Secondary Event.
Track Familiarisation Videos
There are Boys and Girls competitions in the following age groups for cross country:
Primary Age Groups:
9-10 Years; 11 Years; 12-13 Years.
9-10 Years Multi Class; 11 Years Multi Class; 12-13 Years Multi Class.
Secondary Age Groups:
12-13 Years; 14 Years; 15 Years; 16 Years; 17-20 Years.
12-14 Years Multi Class; 15-16 Years Multi Class; 17-20 Years Multi Class.
Race numbers are to be collected at the registration area on the day. Please allow sufficient time to line-up & collect your race number pre-race.
NB. All race numbers MUST be returned at the conclusion of each race.
Athletes need to listen for PA Announcements calling for them to make their way to the Call room (Marshalling Pavilion – Jockeys Room).
If an athlete is unsure as to whether their event has been announced they should make their way to the Call Room no later than 20 minutes prior to the advertised start time for their event.
A Starters Marshal will supervise athletes walking to the start line from the Call Room 10 minutes prior to the advertised start time.
The Starter begins each race from the start line. NB. There is only the one start line for the 2km, 3km & 5km races.
NB. The organisers reserve the right to alter the
course. The course is indicated with flags – red on the left & white on the right & check point marshals. Please see the course maps in the event in the Event Calendar.
Please note a request from Yarra Valley Racing Club - Do not visit the Yarra Valley Racing Club prior to any upcoming Cross Country race days. Yarra Valley Racing Club is a private business & do not permit unauthorised entry.
Region to State Finals Placings Update
Please note the following update:
For 2026, the qualification rule was changed from the top 12 students progressing to the top 10 students.
This change was communicated to Coordinators through SSV eNews and other communications in March.
It has become clear that this change was not then communicated consistently across all regions and some region coordinators have missed this updated rule change.
Some regions have continued to advise schools that the top 12 students would progress, and some region documentation still showed the previous top 12 progression pre their events.
Due to the confusion created and to ensure fairness for all schools and students:
SSV Management has made the decision that for the 2026 State Cross Country Championships, the top 12 students from each Region Event will progress.
All students who finished in the top 12 at their Region Cross Country Event are eligible to compete at the 2026 State Championships.
There is no need for invitation requests for students who finished 11th or 12th, as they will now progress through the top 12 qualification.
Please note:
From 2027 onwards, the qualification process will be the top 10 students.
It is important that all region documentation and communication reflects this change moving forward for 2027.
All State events are listed prior to the date of the event in the Event Calendar located on the right hand side panel. Each event will contain the venue, convenor, rules, information, draws/schedule & results. Results can be accessed post event by using the
State Results link or by going to the State Event Calendar Section & selecting the date of the event.
Rules (incl. Race Time Schedule): Cross Country - Primary and Secondary
Start List: Cross Country Primary and Secondary Combined Start List (by Race)
Program: 2026 State Cross Country Program
State Results
State Champions
