The Canadian XC Championships are heading to London, Ont.

As we approach the 2023 Canadian Cross Country Championships (AC XC) at Mooney’s Bay in Ottawa this Saturday, Athletics Canada has unveiled the hosts for the 2024 and 2025 editions of the XC championships. London Western Track & Field Club in London, Ont., will collaborate with Athletics Canada for the XC event, marking the first time the championship will be hosted in the city.

Athletics Canada announced today that the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Canadian Cross Country Championships will be in London, Ontario. London Western Track & Field Club will work in tandem with Athletics Canada to host this event for the first time 👏https://t.co/cjLIQNwYKh

— Athletics Canada (@AthleticsCanada) November 21, 2023

The national championship events are scheduled to take place at the Fanshawe Golf Course in northeast London for the last weekend in November: Nov. 30, 2024 and Nov. 29, 2025. The course, renowned for its challenging rolling terrain and spectator-friendly layout, has previously been a site for various cross-country races, including the 2020 Athletics Ontario Championships and the 2020 OFSAA Cross Country Championships, both of which were cancelled due to the pandemic.

“We have an incredible venue at the Fanshawe Golf Course for both athletes and spectators. With our large volunteer base and experienced organization team, we are confident that we will host a top-notch cross-country race,” said Scott MacDonald of London Western TFC.

Athletics Canada CEO Mathieu Gentès highlighted London’s rich history with athletics and its reputation for hosting premier events. The city has previously hosted major sporting events, such as junior hockey’s Memorial Cup (2014), curling’s Tim Hortons Brier (2023), and it is slated to host the Ontario Summer Games in August 2024.

The city also recently hosted the 2023 Canadian U Sports Championships at Thames Valley Golf Course in central London.

“We want to truly make this event a city-wide celebration. That starts with the community race, but also adding a festival atmosphere that will include a stage with live music, food trucks, games, and athlete appearances,” added MacDonald.

The Canadian Cross Country Championships consistently draw more than 1,000 of the nation’s top distance runners, spanning from the U18 to masters. As the championship gears up for this Saturday’s event in Ottawa, it marks the culmination of a three-year run in the nation’s capital.