Every cross country course is unique. The always changing venue adds excitement to the sport. It is also what adds significant challenges to coaches, administrators, and maintenance crews. Some courses are great, while others fail to satisfy the needs of the target audiences or the rules set forth by the sport's governing bodies.
Coaches want to have an easy way to get between split points (miles, kilometers, or key geographic points) and a unique feature that could add to the race tactics for an individual or team. The athletes also want these things, and are looking for a fast course to set a personal best for the season or career.
Artificial would include painted lines, pennant roping, utility flags, or similar items to indicate the running path. The mile and/or kilometer marks should be clearly marked for the course.
If your course is short of 5k, publish the exact distance it is , so that attending coaches/athletes are informed.
Courses can be 2,500-5,000m in length, as determined by the meet director or games committee (could be changed due to weather/conditions)
Start in the middle of the starting line (ar c or curve the starting line if necessary, so that all runners have the same distance to run until the first turn)