UK Athletics can confirm that the 2021 Dundonald Cross Country, the fourth leg in the UK Cross Challenge series, has been cancelled.

The decision to cancel the race, which was scheduled to take place on January 16th 2021, was not one that was taken lightly but with concerns around coronavirus and recent changes to the government guidelines, organisers felt it was within the best interests to cancel the event.

The event was once again due to have included the Home Countries International and Celtic Challenge incorporated into it.

A decision regarding the Inter Counties Championships, the final leg of the Cross Challenge series, will be taken in December and communicated as soon as possible.

Domestic Athletics Operations Manager, Donna Fraser, said: “It is with regret that we, along with our colleagues at Athletics Northern Ireland, have had to take the very difficult decision to cancel the Dundonald leg of the Cross Challenge series.

“The event organisers had done their upmost to try and make sure that we would be able to host the fourth leg of the Cross Challenge series, but with the difficulties faced due to the coronavirus pandemic, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the event.

“We all very much hope to see Dundonald back on the calendar for the 2021/22 season, along with Cardiff, Milton Keynes and Liverpool.”