The European Athletics Cross Country Championships is one of the two largest cross-country championships in the world. Glasgow will be a superb host. And who would not want to see real cross-country in lovely Scotland?
Glasgow to host the 2027 European Cross Country Championships
European Athletics has announced that Glasgow will host the 33rd SPAR European Cross Country Championships in 2027, following a successful bid process led by UK Athletics (UKA).
Working in partnership with Glasgow Life, VisitScotland, and Athletic Ventures, UKA is delighted to bring the Championships to Glasgow for the first time. It will be 24 years after the event was last staged in the UK, when the 10th edition took place at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh in 2003.
Given Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s historic success at the European Cross Country Championships, topping the medal table across three decades with 201 medals, including 81 gold, competing on home soil will be a major highlight for British athletes aiming for podium finishes.
The 2027 Championships will take place in the iconic Bellahouston Park, renowned for hosting major concerts during Glasgow Summer Sessions, Papal visits, and the 1978 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.
This bid win comes at an exciting time for UK Athletics, with the Novuna GB & NI team achieving their highest-ever medal table finish at the recent World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, securing four gold medals.
With a packed summer ahead, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham for the first time, UKA is proud to continue showcasing the nation’s strong track record of delivering world-class international athletics events.
Jack Buckner, UK Athletics CEO, on behalf of Athletic Ventures, said: “We are delighted for Glasgow to be awarded as hosts for the European Cross Country Championships in 2027. Cross country is at the heart of athletics in the UK, with many of our top runners beginning their journey on the muddy routes, making this an incredibly special competition to host. We have a rich history of top performances from a Novuna GB & NI team perspective, so bringing this event back to the UK, where it first began, will be one not to be missed!
This competition will follow an already exciting time for athletics in the UK, with the European Athletics Championships this August, and we want to thank European Athletics for continuing to entrust us with hosting their events.
We know this championship will create an incredible atmosphere and showcase why this country loves cross country, and we cannot wait to get started.”
Cherry Alexander, European Athletics Vice President, said: “I am incredibly excited to bring this competition back to the UK, having worked on the inaugural event in Alnwick way back in 1994, it feels like a very special full circle. We know the UK, and specifically Scotland, has a rich history with cross country, and I am looking forward to seeing what Athletic Ventures, UK Athletics, Glasgow Life, and UK Sport create for Glasgow 2027.”
Glasgow Life Head of Events, Julie Pearson, said: “We’re delighted Glasgow has been chosen to host, for the first time, the SPAR European Cross Country Championships and look forward to working with partners to stage this prestigious event in 2027.
“Glasgow is renowned internationally as an expert, friendly host for world-class sporting events. Global athletics highlights that have demonstrated the city’s strong track record include the 1978 IAAF World Cross Country Championships, 1990 European Athletics Indoor Championships, 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships, and 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships. And the 2026 Commonwealth Games will further cement Glasgow’s reputation as a trusted destination for showcasing exceptional athletics.
“Our city is committed to encouraging and inspiring participation in sport and physical activity to make a positive impact that benefits Glasgow and its communities – and leveraging the power of major sustainable and inclusive events is key to that. The SPAR Cross Country Championships offers a valuable opportunity to unite and enthuse competitors and spectators from near and far, so we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Bellahouston Park in the heart of Glasgow for the event’s 33rd iteration, and ensure its success.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “Glasgow is the perfect stage for hosting world-class sporting events, and so it’s fantastic that the city has been chosen for the 33rd SPAR European Cross Country Championships in 2027. The decision is a testament to the work carried out by partners to bring the event to Glasgow and adds to the growing roster of events coming to Scotland next year.
“Events not only help boost the local visitor economy but play an important role in our communities, helping bring social and economic benefits to the areas where they are held. We look forward to the return of the Championships to Scotland.”
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About UKA
UK Athletics is the National Governing Body of the leading Olympic and Paralympic sport in Britain. British Athletics is the sport we represent, the people, the athletes, the fans, the team.
We work closely with the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAFs) to develop and grow all areas of the sport, including elite performance, coaching, major international events, competition, and grassroots programs within schools and clubs.
Find out more: www.britishathletics.org.uk and uka.org.uk
