Canberra’s Stromlo Forest Park will play host to two of Australia’s most anticipated endurance events this November, as the athletics spotlight returns to the nation’s capital.
On Friday, 28 November, Stromlo’s famed trails will see the country’s best distance runners battle it out at the Selection Trials for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, with the meet to determine the team set to wear the green and gold at the 2026 edition of the Championships in Tallahassee, Florida in January 10.
The action continues the following day on Saturday, 29 November, with the inaugural Australian Marathon Walks Championships; the first event of its kind in the country, to be held over the full marathon distance of 42.195km.
The new national title represents a significant step forward for race walking in Australia, providing elite and emerging athletes with a new challenge on home soil, following the medal winning feat of Jemima Montag and Rhydian Cowley at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.
Australian Athletics CEO Simon Hollingsworth said the double-header marks an exciting return to Canberra for the sport.
“Stromlo Forest Park is one of the best endurance venues in the country and a natural choice for two events of this caliber,” Hollingsworth said.
“To see the return of the Cross Country Trial, always one of the toughest events on our calendar, alongside the debut of the Australian Marathon Walks Championships, is a special moment for Australian athletics.
“I’d like to thank Capital Athletics for their support in bringing these two meets to life, and we look forward to both marking the start of an exciting summer ahead.”
The two meets will serve as a curtain-raiser to the Australian domestic season, with the full Chemist Warehouse Summer Series calendar set to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
By Sascha Ryner, Australian Athletics
Posted: 3/7/2025
