Ballarat hosts National Cross Country Championships with record participation

The Australian Athletics National Cross Country Championships have returned to Ballarat, seeing a 10 percent increase in participation compared to previous years. Over 1,600 athletes are competing in the two-day event, with notable growth in younger categories, including a 40 percent increase in participation among U11 and U12 female athletes.

Louise Thiele, General Manager at Australian Athletics, highlighted Ballarat as a premier venue for future national events, citing its facilities and the upcoming stadium in Wendouree. She suggested the city could host future competitions such as the National All-Schools Championships, provided there is government support.

Key competitors include marathon record holder Haftu Strintzos, who is using the event to prepare for the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, and race walker Zoe Woods. The event is part of the Chemist Warehouse Winter Series.