Athletic Ventures to Deliver the 2027 European Cross Country Championships in Glasgow

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). 

Athletic Ventures, the partnership between UK Athletics, The Great Run Company and London Marathon Events, will deliver the 2027 European Cross Country Championships in Glasgow.

Athletic Ventures will work in partnership with Glasgow Life, and VisitScotland to bring the Cross Country Championships to Glasgow for the first time - 24 years after the event was last staged in the UK, when the 10th edition took place at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh in 2003. 

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. 

Athletic Ventures was created to unlock the full potential of athletics by combining elite sport and mass participation under a single, forward-looking commercial vision. The model spans everything from grassroots running to global medal success, giving partners a unique opportunity to connect with the British public at every level of the sport.

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 be hosting.

“This competition will come after an already exciting time for athletics in the UK, with the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships this August and we want to thank European Athletics for continuing to entrust us with hosting their events."

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 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.” 

Glasgow Life, Head of Events, Julie Pearson, said:  “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 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.”