Athletics Ireland has secured the hosting of the European Cross Country Championships for the second time. Members of the bid committee presented to the European Athletics Council in Budapest and emerged as winners.
The European Cross Country Championships will take place at the National Sports Campus on Sunday 13th December 2020. Athletics Ireland bid for this championship was supported by Fingal County Council, Sport Ireland and RTE.
Hamish Adams CEO, Athletics Ireland said ‘We are delighted to have secured the hosting of the European Cross Country Championships for 2020. We look forward to working with Fingal County Council, Sport Ireland and RTE to ensure the event is a world class experience for both athletes and spectators.’
Mary Godwin, Senior Executive Officer, Fingal County Council added “We look forward to working closely with Athletics Ireland and the other partners to ensure we host the best European Cross Country Championships to date.”
Sport Ireland also welcomed the news that the 2020 European Cross Country Championships will take place on the purpose built cross country track on the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus.
News of Athletics Ireland’s successful bid for the major championships was announced by the European Athletics Council in Budapest today. This will be second time the prestigious event visits Irish shores following the successful hosting of the event in Santry in 2009.
Welcoming the news, Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey, said: “On behalf of Sport Ireland I would like to congratulate Athletics Ireland on their successful bid for the 2020 European Cross Country Championships. Ireland has a rich history in cross country running and we are delighted to host this event on the purpose built cross country track here on the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, added: “This is a great example of agencies coming together to showcase Ireland as a top destination for major sporting events. We look forward to working with Athletics Ireland and the other partners to deliver an excellent event here on the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, which will be broadcast right across Europe.
“I would like to pay tribute to Athletics Ireland Chief Executive, Hamish Adams, bid coordinator Liam Hennessy and all involved with the bid on their hard work in securing the championships for Ireland.”