LONDON, November 21, 2023 – Athletics Canada announced today that the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Canadian Cross Country Championships will be contested in London, Ontario. London Western Track & Field Club will work in tandem with Athletics Canada to host this event for the first time.
Canada’s premier cross country competition rolls into the Forest City on November 30, 2024 and November 29, 2025.
“London has a long history with Athletics and a stellar reputation for hosting first-class events. In addition to the city’s experience in the technical parts of hosting an event like this, the community’s commitment to supporting the athletes, coaches and officials who flock to London every year for sport events is second to none,” said Athletics Canada CEO Mathieu Gentès.
“We want to truly make this event a city celebration. That starts with the community race, but also adding a festival atmosphere that will include a stage with live music, food trucks, games, and athlete appearances,” said London Western TFC Club Manager Scott MacDonald. “It’s the community involvement in a fun, exciting, and supportive atmosphere that will make these events truly unique.”
“London is thrilled to be named host city of the 2024 & 2025 Canadian Cross Country Championships. Having hosted several major Cross Country events in the past, it’s exciting to be hosting the Athletics Canada National Championships for the very first time, and welcoming hundreds of athletes from coast to coast to our city,” said Zanth Jarvis, Director of Sport Tourism with Tourism London. “Thank you to Athletics Canada for the opportunity and we look forward to working with our local Athletics community to create a memorable and exciting experience for everyone in attendance.”
Cross Country in the Forest City
Both events will run out of the Fanshawe Golf Course in the north east corner of the city. The course has served as a race site for a number of cross country races including local high school races as well as the 2020 Athletics Ontario Western Regional Championships. This course was also the selected site for the 2020 OFSAA Cross Country Championships that was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic.
“We have an incredible venue at the Fanshawe Golf Course for both athletes and spectators. With our large volunteer base and experienced organization team, we are confident that we will host a top notch cross country race,” MacDonald said.
The proposed cross country course at Fanshawe Golf Course is a predominately grass surface, with a few small sections crossing over gravel/concrete golf cart paths. The course was designed to provide competitors with a rolling terrain that will be challenging, yet also very spectator friendly.
Media Contact
Zanth Jarvis Director, Sport Tourism, Tourism London (226) 984-8640 | zjarvis@londontourism.ca
Maxim Chiasson Event and Marketing Coordinator, Athletics Canada (613) 260-5580 x3309 | Maxim.Chiasson@athletics.ca
About ACXC
The Canadian Cross Country Championships are a one-day event, attracting more than 1,300 athletes (from U18 to Masters), coaches and officials, and showcases the very best of Canada’s elite runners who compete for the title of national champion as well as a chance to represent Canada at NACAC and World Cross Country Championships. The 2023 Canadian Cross Country Championships will take place this Saturday, November 25 in Ottawa, wrapping a three-year run in the nation’s capital. Cross Country fans who can not be there in person don’t need to miss a minute of the action from the Terry Fox Athletic Facility and Mooney’s Bay. The 2023 Canadian Cross Country Championships will be broadcast live via AthleticsCanada.tv. The live webcast and on demand videos will only be available for RunnerSpace +PLUS subscribers. Sign up here.
About Tourism London
Tourism London, the city’s destination marketing organization since 1996, is a trailblazer in developing real experiences, promoting its vibrant and diverse visitor destination and attracting and hosting people with warm, genuine hospitality. We enhance the reputation of our city and grow the resilience of our sustainable tourism ecosystem by driving tourism visits and spending, collaborating with industry partners and enriching our community.
