Dublin will host the 2021 SPAR European Cross Country Championships after this year's event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2020 championships had been due to take place on 13 December in Fingal before European Athletics announced a postponement in September, with Athletics Ireland CEO Hamish Adams subsequently stating that, "We hope to see the event here in 2021. If not, 2022."
But European Athletics' governing body has now confirmed that the European Cross Country Championships will return to Ireland on 12 December 2021.
Turin in Italy has been confirmed as the host city for the 2022 edition, having initially been awarded the rights for 2021.
"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," said European Athletics Interim President Dobromir Karamarinov.
"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."
Chairman of the Fingal-Dublin 2021 Local Organising Committee, Liam Hennessy added: "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.
"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."
