Glasgow to Host 2027 European Cross Country Championships

European Athletics has announced that Glasgow, Scotland, will host the 33rd SPAR European Cross Country Championships in 2027, following a successful bid process led by UK Athletics.

It will be the first time that Glasgow has hosted the Championships and 24 years after the event was last held in the UK, when Holyrood Park in Edinburgh was the venue in 2003.

UK Athletics is partnering with Glasgow Life, VisitScotland and Athletic Ventures to bring the 2027 Championships to Bellahouston Park, which has previously staged major concerts for Glasgow Summer Sessions, papal visits and the 1978 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

The competition will follow this summer’s Commonwealth Games, also in Glasgow, and the European Athletics Championships to be held for the first time in Birmingham, UK.

“We are delighted for Glasgow to be awarded as hosts for the European Cross Country Championships in 2027,” said Jack Buckner, UK Athletics CEO on behalf of Athletic Ventures. “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 be hosting. 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 come after an already exciting time for athletics in the UK, hosting 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 showcasing why this country loves cross country and we cannot wait to get started.”

“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,” said European Athletics Vice President Cherry Alexander. “We know the UK, and specifically Scotland have 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.”

Further Reaction

“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,” said Julie Pearson, Glasgow Life head of events. “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.” 

“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,” said Rob Dickson, director of industry and events at VisitScotland. “The decision is a testament to 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.” 

Tallahassee, Florida Event

Meanwhile in January, Tallahassee, Florida became the latest U.S. city to host a major world championship as the destination welcomed the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26.

The event, staged at Apalachee Regional Park, featured more than 450 athletes, from elite runners to Olympians, from the United States to Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Spain and Great Britain.