Countdown to top cross country event
Scotland’s premier running event, the 36th IAAF World Cross Country Championships at Holyrood Park, begins on Saturday 29 March with a series of top-class races.
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Sunday 30 March will see the main elite event take place after a series of junior races.
Some of the world’s top athletes are on their way to Edinburgh to compete for the World Cross Country crown.
Best of all, spectators can watch the event for free.
The course for the 2008 IAAF World Cross Country Championships will be staged within the magnificent setting of Holyrood Park. This Royal Park offers a dramatic natural amphitheatre which is perfect for cross country running.
The course is designed to take advantage of the park’s natural undulations and will offer a real test for even the very best of athletes. Haggis Knowe is the centre piece of the course – a large rocky outcrop providing steep climbs and descents to challenge athletes.
Spectators will be able to watch the action from several vantage points around the course.
Saturday 29 March (am)
Schools to visit Athletes’ Village as part of Adopt-a-Nation programme.
Young Athletes’ relays and international teams inspecting course.
Saturday 29 (pm)
Learning disability race Scottish inter-district races
Home Countries international races.
Sunday 30 March (am)
Welcome the world 5km road race.
Sunday 30 March (pm)
IAAF World Cross Country Championships.
Opening Ceremony.
1pm Junior women (6km).
1.30pm Junior men (8km).
2.05pm Senior women (8km).
2.45pm Senior men (12km).
Medal ceremonies.
Live band.
Fireworks.