11 October 2011

With no World Cross Country Championships in 2012, following the decision by the IAAF to make the event biennial from 2011, the format for the 2011/12 cross country season will look somewhat different to previous years.

The 2011 track and road season saw UK endurance running continue to make positive steps forward with some outstanding performances, particularly at the World Championships in Daegu and also at the various age group championships and more recently the Berlin Marathon.

As we head into the 2011/12 winter season and a summer home Olympics, the next 12 months is without doubt going to be an exciting time for endurance athletes and the sport as a whole.

Before the year draws to a close the European Cross Country Championships in Velenje, Slovenia on the 11 December 2011 will be UKA’s main focus. UKA will continue to support the event will full Aviva GB & NI teams.

In early 2012 (7 January), the primary cross country focus will be the Great Edinburgh Cross Country International Challenge event organised by Nova International.

This event, which evolves from the men’s team match against the USA and Europe in 2011, will in 2012 be expanded to include Aviva GB & NI senior men’s and women’s teams and junior men’s and women’s teams, giving UK endurance athletes a highly competitive cross country team event in the absence of the World Cross Country Championships.

In addition to the Aviva GB & NI team events on an international level, the domestic fixtures kick off with McCain Cross Country Challenge in Bristol on the 13 November, followed by Liverpool – incorporating the European Cross Country Trials – on 26 November, Cardiff on 15 January, Antrim on 21 January and the McCain Cross Challenge Final – incorporating the Inter Counties – in Birmingham on 10 March 2012.

Athletes and coaches are encouraged to make sure they read the selection policies for the European Cross and the International Challenge.

For further information please download the selection policies below or visit www.uka.org.uk/world-class/winter-selection-policy-2011-12/.