The University of Aberdeen has been chosen to host the 2009 British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Cross Country Championships.
Around 1000 runners, including some of the UK's most promising athletes, are expected to descend on Balgownie Playing Fields on February 7 – the first time the University will have held the event.
GB Olympian Steph Twell is likely to compete in the event to retain the title she won in Swansea earlier this year. Twell also ran the 1500m in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, finishing sixth in the semi-finals.
Kenny Gunnyeon, part of the University's Sport and Recreation team, said: "The last BUCS event we hosted was back in about 1996 so it's a real coup for the University to have secured these championships.
"We will be doing everything we can to ensure that they are as successful as possible, including going out into the local business community to try and get support for what will be a major event in the student sporting calendar next year."
The University beat off rival bids from other UK institutions to land the championships.
Gordon Cox, Vice President of Sport at the Students' Association, added: "It's great news for the Sports Union and a real carrot for our top runners to put that extra effort in over the winter months.
"The course at Balgownie will provide a good test for all levels of athlete and was part of the reason, along with the facilities we can offer and good transport links to Aberdeen, that our bid was successful."
To find out more about the 2009 BUCS Cross Country Championships contact Kenny Gunnyeon on 01224 272 569 or email href="mailto:k.gunnyeon@abdn.ac.uk">k.gunnyeon@abdn.ac.uk</a></p>