The European Athletics Championships are one of the two biggest championships in the world. Glasgow will be a great host. And who wouldn’t want to see some real cross country in beautiful Scotland?
The 2027 European Championship will be held in Glasgow
European Athletics has announced that Glasgow will host the 33rd SPAR European Championships in 2027 under the auspices of UK Athletics (UKA).
In partnership with Glasgow Life, VisitScotland and Athletic Ventures, UKA is delighted to bring the Championship to Glasgow for the first time. It will be 24 years since 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 with 201 medals over three decades, including 81 golds, competing on home soil will be something for British athletes aiming for a podium finish.
The 2027 championships will be held at the iconic Bellahouston Park, famous for major concerts during the Glasgow Summer Sessions, papal visits and the 1978 IAAF World Championships.
This bid win comes at an exciting time for British athletics, with the Novuna GB & NI team achieving their highest ever medal tally at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, securing four gold medals.
With a busy summer ahead, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham for the first time, UKA is proud to continue to showcase the country’s strong expertise in delivering world-class international athletics events.
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said on behalf of Athletic Ventures: “We are delighted that Glasgow will receive the award of hosting the European Championships in 2027. Cross Country is at the heart of athletics in the UK and many of our best runners start their journey on muddy tracks, making this an incredibly special competition to host. We have a rich history of top performances from the Novuna GB & NI team perspective, so bringing this event back to the UK where it first started is not to be missed.
This competition will follow an already exciting time for athletics in Great Britain with the European Athletics Championships this August and we would like to thank European Athletics for entrusting us with the organization of their events.
We know this championship will create an incredible atmosphere and show why this country loves cross country, and we can’t wait to get started.”
Vice President of European Athletics Cheri Alexander said. “I’m incredibly excited to bring this competition back to the UK, having worked on the inaugural event in Alnwick in 1994 I feel it’s a very special full circle. We know that the UK, and Scotland in particular, has a rich history with cross country and I look forward to seeing what Athletic Ventures, UK Athletics, Glasgow Life and UK Sport create for Glasgow 2027.”
Julie Pearson, head of Glasgow Life of Events, said: “We are delighted that Glasgow has been chosen to host the SPAR European Cross Country Championships for the first time and look forward to working with our partners to deliver this prestigious event in 2027.
“Glasgow is internationally renowned as an expert, friendly host to world-class sporting events. Major world athletics events that have demonstrated the city’s strong track record include the 1978 IAAF World Championships, the 1990 European Athletics Indoor Championships, 2014. The Athletics Indoor Championships and the 2026 Commonwealth Games will further strengthen Glasgow’s reputation as a trusted venue for exceptional athletics.
“Our city is committed to encouraging and inspiring participation in sport and physical activity to have a positive impact on Glasgow and its communities, and the strength of key sustainable and inclusive events is key to this. The SPAR Cross Country Championships provide a valuable opportunity to unite and inspire competitors and spectators from near and far, so we can’t wait for Glasgow. the 33rd iteration of the event and ensure its success.”
Rob Dixon, VisitScotland’s director of industry and events, said:“Glasgow is the perfect platform to host world-class sporting events and it is therefore fantastic that the city has been chosen to host the 33rd SPAR European Championships in 2027. The decision is testament to the work the partners have done to bring the event to Glasgow and adds to the growing list of events coming to Scotland next year.
“Events not only help boost the local visitor economy, they also play an important role in our communities, helping to bring social and economic benefits to the areas where they are held. We look forward to bringing the Championship back to Scotland.”
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About UKA
UK Athletics is Britain’s leading national governing body for Olympic and Paralympic sport. British Athletics is the sport we represent, the people, the athletes, the fans, the team.
We work closely with Home Athletics Federations (HCAFs) to develop and grow all aspects of the sport, including elite performance, coaching, major international events, competitions and core school and club programmes.
