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Our Traditions
Tufts Cross Country and Track and Field Traditions
Part of what makes the Tufts University Cross Country and Track and Field experience so enjoyable are the many traditions carried on by the athletes. Some of these traditions are fairly informal, while others are treated with the utmost level of reverence and intensity. Here are some of these traditions...


The TUXC "Triple Crown"
A tradition established in the fall of 2001, the Triple Crown is perhaps the most important and well liked tradition among Tufts Cross Country athletes. Held each year after Cross Country nationals and winter break, the Triple Crown consists of 3 scored events and the Naked Quad Run (a campus-wide tradition). Included in the Triple Crown are the Donut Mile (which includes eating four donuts while covering a one mile course that loops around Tufts' academic quad), the Tisch Library Stacks run (which includes five laps of the Tisch Library basement, approximately 1 km total), and the mystery third event (which has included "The Dining Hall Challenge," "The Mad Libs Run," and "The Dorm Storm"), organized by the sophomore class.
  • Read more on the Triple Crown here .
  • Click here for a video of the stacks run (86MB).
  • Click here for a video of the donut run.


Dewick (aka "D-Train")
Dewick-MacPhie dining hall is one of two main dining halls on campus. After long days on the track or out on the roads, Tufts athletes convene for dinner each night between 5 and 6 o'clock. During peak dinner hours, expect to see nearly 40 athletes from the men's and women's team enjoying the varied and delicious food provided at "D-Train." The meals provided by Tufts Dining Services have been ranked among the best in the U.S. and the all-you-can-eat format provides plenty of food for hungry track athletes.

Cross Country Nationals Road Trip
Each year after the Cross Country team qualifies for the NCAA Championship, those athletes not competing have made the trip across the country to support their teammates. In the past, these road trips have included visits to Carlisle, PA; Rock Island, IL; Hanover, IN; St. Olaf, MN; and Eau Claire, WI. In 2004, more than 30 non-competing athletes made the 2500 mile journey to cheer on the top 7.

"The Crazies"
Part of the road trip tradition includes the "TUXC Crazies". For the last several years, Tufts has been known for having the loudest and most dedicated fans in New England, and perhaps the nation. Requirements for being a TUXC Crazy include wearing only running shorts and body paint (regardless of the weather, which is often freezing in late November), running to at least 15 points along the course, and making an overwhelming amount of noise during the race. The Crazies make appearances at the New England Regional Championship and at the NCAA National Championship.


The Distance Log
For the past three years the distance squad has been lucky enough to have a great online running log. The program is entirely the work of Jumbo runner Dan Wolchonok. Runners can input their daily mileage along with notes on the day's run. The log includes numerous different views that lets the Jumbos graph their own mileage, graph multiple other runners, as well as detailed views that let them review their notes to look back at how their workouts went over the past several weeks. Additionally, the distance log includes a team forum where athletes can keep in touch during summer vacation. The log is just one part of the GoJumbos.com website. The site - like the distance log - is entirely athlete-designed and athlete-run.


Indoor Early Return
Before the second semester begins each winter, track athletes return 10-14 days prior to the beginning of classes to train. While a lot of hard work is put in on the track and on the roads during early return, there is an equal amount of video games played, movies watched, and ice baths taken.

Cross Country Camp
Similar to early return is cross country camp. Before each cross country season, returning athletes spend a week in Maine, Vermont, or New Hampshire. During camp, athletes run big mileage, and play a lot of waffle ball and Risk. Camp is organized by the team and helps to establish goals, (and wiffle ball bragging rights) for the upcoming season.

Talent Show click here for a video of a recent talent show
About halfway through each cross country season, the team hosts its annual talent show. All freshmen are required to participate, along with any other upperclassmen who choose to. Past talents have included playing musical instruments, making fun of the seniors, rap battles, and extraordinarily well planned out and choreographed dance routines.

Marathon Monday
Each Patriots Day in April, Tufts Track and Field makes its way to Heartbreak Hill at the 21 mile mark of the Boston Marathon. The distance runners run from Tufts to the hill (about 8 miles) while the rest of the team rides out in vans. Marathoners receive boisterous encouragement from the athletes lined up on Heartbreak. Tufts Alumni running the marathon have been brought back from the dead at this point on the course upon being yelled at incessantly after 20 miles of running.



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