The iconic Stirling Castle will provide the backdrop to the popular event which has hosted international superstars such as Sir Mo Farah and Laura Muir and been a pivotal competition in the career of many top class Scottish athletes.
After running for 13 years in the capital, Edinburgh, the move sees the Simplyhealth Great XCountry championships come to the Heart of Scotland in Stirling and will now be staged at City Park, starting on Saturday 12 January, 2019.
Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Scott Farmer said: “Securing such a prestigious event is a huge success for Stirling Council.
“With thanks to Active Stirling and our partners this will bring a fantastic economic and tourism boost to the area and shows our blossoming reputation as a destination for sporting events.
“The iconic landscape of Stirling, with the castle overlooking Falleninch Field, is the perfect setting for these championships and we are delighted to welcome all the athletes and visitors from around the world for this occasion.”
As well as the economic and financial benefits for the local authority area, the championships will also have a positive effect on the lives of local residents.
The event adds to a growing sporting calendar which already features the Stirling Marathon, launch of a new Stirling App and visitor website, and will also feature a 5K family participation event and enhance the focus on healthy living and sport.
Councillor Chris Kane, convenor of the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee said: “This event will be an excellent opportunity to promote the health and well-being of our citizens and is another chance for residents to participate in a world class sporting event.
“Anything that gets people moving and active is to be welcomed and it’s fantastic to know that not only will the people of Stirling be able to see this event, they’ll be able to get involved as well.”
The ICC championships are regarded as a major sporting event on the international calendar, with live coverage provided by the BBC to a UK and global audience.
Estimated economic impact in the first year could be up to £1million, with the added value of media coverage and promotion of Stirling estimated to be worth a further £3million.
Local tourism and economy would also see the benefits as sporting fans from across the world draw their attention to Stirling in the hope of seeing not only the next star of cross-country athletics but the unrivalled scenery and history of the area.
Andrew Bain, Chief Executive of Active Stirling, said: “We’re proud to have helped bring the Great XCountry championships to Stirling and hosting an event like this is the perfect way to encourage more people to get involved in sport.
“January is a time when we are all looking for a reason to get healthy and active and what better way to do that than getting the whole family involved in something like this, happening right in the heart of the City.”
The championships are organised by The Great Run Company, with the group confirming that the competition will be free to view with a further opportunity for amateur runners to take part in a mass participation event on the same day.