Its objectives are to promote and develop cross country running and to advance and safeguard the interests of the sport and the governing body.

It organises the English National Cross Country Championships where athletes compete for their clubs, and manages the England teams in cross country competition, including the selection of athletes for some international permit events.

The first joint English National Cross Country Championships was held at Luton in 1995.

[1] The policy of the Association is to send teams to major international cross country events, in order that athletes develop and gain experience of travelling and competing against elite athletes from other Countries.

No athletes who are under the age of 16 on the day of competition will be selected and if under 18 will be required to complete a parental consent form.