SportsShoes.com and Nike have been announced as joint headline sponsors for athletics governing body UK Athletics’ (UKA) 2025/26 Cross Challenge Series.

The sponsorship will have a positive impact supporting and growing cross-country running at all levels, from grassroots clubs to elite national athletes.

The joint headline partnership spans all rounds of the 2025/26 Cross Challenge Series, including events in Liverpool (22 November), London (7 February), and Nottingham (7 March).

Athletes will compete in multiple age categories, and overall series awards will be based on scoring from at least two rounds per athlete.

Senior and U23 runners will also have the opportunity to qualify for the European Cross Country Championships at Liverpool on Saturday, 22^nd November.

Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said: “We’re delighted to welcome SportsShoes.com as a sponsor of the 2025/26 UK Cross Challenge Series.

“Their support reflects our shared commitment to the athletes at every stage – from junior runners stepping onto the national stage to elite performers chasing championship form for the Novuna GB & NI teams.

“This partnership strengthens high-quality racing opportunities and an even better experience for the wider running community across the country. We’re excited for what this will mean for athletes throughout the winter season.”

Established in 1982, SportsShoes.com offers customers in the UK, Europe and Scandinavia more than 17,000 products from 150 global running and outdoor brands.

From a running perspective these include Asics, Nike, Adidas, Hoka, New Balance and Brooks whilst in terms of outdoor they include Salomon, Montane, Rab and Patagonia.

Dan Cartner, head of marketing at SportsShoes.com, said: “At SportsShoes.com, our goal is to be unrivalled in running and cross-country racing is no exception to this.

“It’s fantastic to be sponsoring the Cross Challenge Series and play our part in these key events across the 2025/26 cross-country race calendar.

“We look forward to supporting UKA over this winter season to deliver outstanding race experiences for everyone taking part, whether they’re junior or elite runners.”

More about the UKA Cross Challenge Series can be found here