Australian Cross Country Championships postponed

Coles Little Athletics Australia (LAA) and Athletics Australia (AA) wish to advise that the 2021 Australian Cross Country Championships scheduled for August 21-22 in Adelaide will be postponed due to the ongoing challenges surrounding COVID-19.

The decision to postpone the event comes following the recent surge of COVID-19 outbreaks around the country, as well as travel restrictions, which would severely affect athletes, officials, staff and coaches from attending a safe Championships in less than one month’s time.

Coles Little Athletics Australia General Manager, Andrew Johnston said:

“This was certainly a disappointing and difficult decision to make however with the uncertainty surrounding COVID with lockdowns in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, and border closures restricting travel, the health and wellbeing of the athletes and the community was our highest priority.

“We were excited to be holding this joint event which was seen as a milestone step in working with Athletics Australia and remain hopeful the event can be held in the near future.”   

Athletics Australia Chief Executive Officer, Peter Bromley said:

“We understand this is disappointing to all athletes who have been training for this Championships, however the safety of our community was in the forefront of our minds when we made this decision.

“While the Championships have been postponed until further notice, we will do everything we can to host the event in a safe and secure manner when the time is right.”

LAA and AA will now begin working towards holding the Championships later in the year, and with the plan to include all ages from Little Athletes through to Masters.

For more information, please contact:

Sascha Ryner
Athletics Australia Media and Communications Manager
sascha.ryner@athletics.org.au

Ashlea Watt
Coles Little Athletics Australia Marketing, Events and Sponsorships Manager
admin@littleathletics.org.au