running Shoes (required)
The most crucial bit of equipment for any runner is a decent pair of running shoes. Choosing the right shoe is tricky given most of your training will take place on the road and the championship race taking place on a gravel track. I don't think it is worth buying a cross country specific shoes as none of the runs will be on rough surfaces. I would recommend a lightweight shoe that allows you go fast, with adequate cushioning for longer runs and some gravel paths. Running Shoes Guru provides a constantly updated list of shoe reviews and here is the lightweight shoe category.
While you are buying some shoes, take the time to buy some good running socks also (eg drymax, wrightsock).
You will also need to have light and comfortable running attire such as shorts and singlet top. It is worth buying something that is particularly made for running as they are designed to be as light as possible and wick your sweat away. Another popular choice for runners is compression gear such as 2XU.
A handy piece of equipment to have on you when running is sunglasses. Tifosi has a good and relatively inexpensive range of sunglasses suitable for the runner availabe from Royal Sporting House. The choice of whether or not to use sunglasses is really a personal preference. Do note that our competition races will be in the late afternoon when the sun could pose an issue.
For runners who like to do runs over 10 km there are other pieces of equipment that are handy for nutrition while you out (like energy gels and hydration systems). If this is the case for you and you want some advice then just come and talk to me. A convenient and cheap place to order energy gels, hydration tablets etc. is through Lazada.
It is highly recommended that you use a device to log your runs. They will be able to keep you updated on your pace (or heart rate) as you run to let you know whether or not you are training too easy or too hard. They will also allow you to build up a history of your running to see if your training is heading in the right direction.
Using a running app on your phone such as Strava or Runkeeper is free except for the cost of an arm band to hold the phone.
The better but more expensive option is to buy a running watch such as a Garmin. Garmin retailers (scroll down to retailers) can be found here.
Other running gear
timing device (highly recommended)
Equipment
On this page I have listed some equipment that can be used for cross country running. One of the great things about running is that it doesn't really require much of an expense to get started. As a minimum I will require you to have a good pair of running shoes, an armpocket to hold your mobile phone so that you can record your sessions and decent running attire (running singlet/shirt and shorts). The serious runner might want to consider buying some racing flats also for use in competition although this is an optional purchase.