THE English Cross Country Championships are coming to Wollaton Park next year, it has been announced.
The Championships will include ten events and are expected to attract around 8,000 competitors and supporters across all age groups and include categories for men and women.
The races will take place on February 22 and will be hosted by Notts Athletics Club and supported by Nottingham City Council.
Local Notts Athletics Club athletes, Aaron Scott who came 12th in this year's National Championships in Sunderland, and Matt O'Dowd who ran the Marathon in the Athens Olympic Games are already planning to compete along with other local younger cross country athletes.
David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: "This is a great coup for the city to host such a prestigious national sporting event and we hope it will be the first of many future championships in the city. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the city for the event. "
"Wollaton Park provides the ideal terrain for a challenging and interesting event against the stunning backdrop of Wollaton Hall. We hope our local cross country athletes will enjoy success at the championships."
Ian Byett, Honorary Secretary of the English Cross Country Association, said: "Wollaton Park was for many years the venue for the Inter Counties Championships. Plans are already underway to create a new cross country course for the event."
