Dublin will get to host the European Cross Country Championships after all.
This year's event was due to be held at the Sport Ireland Campus in Abbotstown on December 13, but were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
European Athletics have confirmed that the 2021 European Cross Country Championships will be staged at the same venue on December 12 2021.
It will be the second time that hosting rights will have gone to Dublin, after Santry hosted the Championships in 2009.
Initially awarded the 2021 European Cross Country Championships, Torino-La Mandria Park will now host the 2022 edition instead.
Italy will become the first country to host the European Cross Country Championships on four separate occasions.
"We are delighted to be hosting the SPAR European Cross Country Championships for 2021 and we would like to thank European Athletics and FIDAL for their support in facilitating the event returning to Ireland next year," Liam Hennessy, Chairman of the Fingal-Dublin 2021 Local Organising Committee, said.
"Covid-19 had resulted in the championships which were set to take place in Fingal, Dublin next month being cancelled, but we can now look forward to working with Fingal County Council, Sport Ireland and RTÉ to ensure the 2021 SPAR European Cross Country Championships scheduled for 12 December is a memorable occasion for both athletes and spectators."
European Athletics Interim President Dobromir Karamarinov added, "Unfortunately, Dublin was unable to host this year’s SPAR European Cross Country Championships this year but we would like to thank Torino-La Mandria for their cooperation to allow Dublin to stage next year’s event.
“Ireland and Italy both have a rich tradition in staging not only continental but also global cross country events so we are naturally delighted to reallocate the next two editions of the championships to two proud and passionate cross country running nations.”
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