We ain't exactly looking at March Madness exposure here. Even the crown jewel of collegiate cross-country prizes, the NCAA Division I Cross-Country Championship, takes a backseat to the NCAA Track and Field Championships.

After graduation, many of the top cross-country runners go on to compete in the USA Cross Country Championships.

Because there are no cross-country events in the Olympics, professional cross-country runners often compete in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter track events, as well as marathons, half-marathons, and triathlons. But remember: unless you're one of the top five runners in the U.S. or consistently in the top fifteen runners in the world, you are not going to make a living by pumping those muscular legs (source).

Training for the triathlon is a grueling process.

The biennial IAAF World Cross Country Championships is the most prestigious international cross-country running competition. East African runners from countries like Ethiopia and Kenya have dominated this event in recent years. Guess everyone else better start training harder…and eating more pasta. If we know anything about running, it's that carb-loading is essential to awesomeness.