Integrated Australian Cross Country Championships announced

In a sign of unity, Athletics Australia and Coles Little Athletics Australia have today announced they will host a joint 2021 Australian Cross Country Championships.

The Australian Cross Country Championships will be held this year on Saturday, 21 and Sunday 22 August in Adelaide, with 2500 athletes set to compete for national titles across 10 age groups including Masters Athletics.

This will be the first jointly held event as Athletics Australia and Coles Little Athletics Australia continue work to merge into a new National Sporting Organisation under the banner of ‘Australian Athletics’.

Athletics Australia Chief Executive Officer Peter Bromley said today’s announcement was a proud moment, as the two organisations unite to give a glimpse into the future of the sport.

“We’re really proud to announce the 2021 Australian Cross Country Championships in conjunction with Coles Little Athletics Australia, and we’re also thrilled to have come together for our first joint event, as we look to bring our event calendars together for the better of our sport.”

Coles Little Athletics Australia General Manager Operations Andrew Johnston echoed Mr. Bromley’s comments, stating, “We’re really excited at the opportunity to work with Athletics Australia to hold the Australian Cross Country Championships after what has been an uncertain year for our athletes and their families.

“This is a momentous occasion for both organisations in coming together to create a clear calendar of events for all our athletes and officials, and a stepping stone for the future of our sport.”

One Athletics Chief Executive Officer Kate Palmer added, “Athletics Australia and Coles Little Athletics Australia have focused on providing clear pathways for athletes, coaches and officials as they searched for a solution to holding the event.”

“I congratulate the whole sport on delivering on their vision for the event by showing such strong leadership, willingness to collaborate and belief in what’s possible.  This sport understands that the future of Australian athletics is in their hands. It’s what makes working on the OneAthletics project so worthwhile.”

Further information will soon be provided through the Athletics Australia and Coles Little Athletics Australia websites.

For more information, please contact:

Sascha Ryner                                                                      Ashlea Watt
Athletics Australia                                                              Coles Little Athletics 
Media and Communications Manager                            Events, Sponsorship and Administration Manager                      
M: 0416 858 419                                                                M: 0437 299 991                      
E: sascha.ryner@athletics.org.au                                     E: admin@littleathletics.org.au