The scoring system in cross-country running illustrates that the way in which results are reported and the opportunity to improve through hard work can provide crucial incentives. Establishing incentives that make students dissatisfied with their present effort without being overwhelmed or made fatalistic is a challenging task. (SLD)

A course at Northern Illinois University trains college students for running marathons. The course offers information about conditioning, injury prevention, and diet requirements, as well as instruction in long-distance running. Techniques for motivating students are discussed. (PP)