A male and female Cook Islander will represent the country in the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst.

Athletics Cook Islands is holding a cross country series on November 12 and 26 in preparation for the event.

Athletics Cook Islands president Simone Fe’ao said it was an opportunity for men and women to compete with the world’s best.

“All are welcome to come and run but to actually trial you have to be a Cook Islander either by nationality or permanent residency,” she said.

“It’s a little bit of a hilly track so runners can get a feel for what it’s like.”

Fe’ao said it was the first cross country series by Athletics Cook Islands in a while and was a new opportunity for middle to long distance runners.

Registration is from 9am at the National Stadium Carpark and the race starts at 10am on both dates.

The race is seven laps of a 1.35 kilometre circuit. A valid passport is required at registration if people are trialling to represent the Cook Islands.

According to the World Atheltics website the Bathurst course “encapsulates the unique and picturesque landscape of regional New South Wales”.

“It is a technical course that will test both physical and mental ability,” the website said.

“Runners will need to be constantly thinking about their pace, and positioning in the pack. With the ever-present and iconic backdrop of Mount Panorama, spectators will have sweeping views of the runners as they navigate the Billabong, the Boomerang and the Vineyard.”