City of Edinburgh Pulls Financial Support for Great Edinburgh XCountry International Challenge

By Adam Kopet

Mark Woods of the Scotsman reports the City of Edinburgh has pulled its financial backing for the Great Edinburgh XCountry International Challenge, thus causing the event to look for a new home in 2019.

The decision by the City of Edinburgh Council comes amid deep slashes to the city budget. It has also canceled the 2018 Great Edinburgh Run.

The Great Edinburgh XCountry International Challenge has taken place at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh for the past 14 years.

Government agencies are helping in the search for a new location. The first choice is to keep the event in Scotland, however, other locations in the UK will be considered.

Laura Muir and former world champion Liz McColgan have expressed disappointment in the decision. In addition to hosting strong American and European contingents, top athletes including Kenesisa Bekele, Eliud Kipchoge and Mo Farah have competed in the event.