Canada\u2019s best cross country runners will race through one of the country\u2019s most iconic landscapes in 2026 as Quebec City welcomes the Canadian Cross Country Championships to the historic Plains of Abraham.<\/p>\n
Set against the backdrop of Quebec City\u2019s historic fortifications and overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the Plains of Abraham provide a spectacular stage for athletes competing for national titles. With its rolling terrain, natural elevation changes and open fields, the venue will challenge competitors while offering fans a unique opportunity to experience cross country racing up close.<\/p>\n
\u201cCross country is a sport that thrives on great courses and memorable settings, and the Plains of Abraham provide both,\u201d said Athletics Canada CEO Mathieu Gent\u00e8s. \u201cThis is an incredible opportunity to showcase Canada\u2019s best runners at a venue that reflects the history, beauty and character of Quebec City.\u201d<\/p>\n
National Championships in a Historic Setting<\/p>\n
The Canadian Cross Country Championships are one of Athletics Canada\u2019s premier championship events, bringing together athletes from across the country in categories ranging from youth to senior and Masters competition.<\/p>\n
ACXC26 will feature races for U16, U18, U20, senior, para and Masters athletes, celebrating the full depth of Canada\u2019s cross country community. From emerging young talents taking their first steps toward national competition to experienced athletes pursuing championship honours, the event will highlight the passion and dedication that define Canadian distance running.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s fantastic news for the Quebec City running community that we will host the Canadian Cross Country Championships. Our course on the Plains of Abraham is an iconic and historic venue,\u201d said Athl\u00e9tisme Qu\u00e9bec head coach F\u00e9lix-Antoine Lapointe. \u201cOver the past two decades, we have successfully staged the U Sports Cross Country Championships on several occasions, as well as numerous Athl\u00e9tisme Quebec and RSEQ championships. Hosting the Athletics Canada Cross Country Championships is the natural next step, and the entire host committee is thrilled to welcome athletes from across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cBringing the Canadian Cross Country Championships to Quebec City is a great opportunity to showcase our city, our region and our passion for cross country running on a national stage. Quebec City has a strong history of hosting major sporting events, and we are proud to welcome Canada’s best athletes, coaches and teams to a community that truly embraces sport,\u201d said Universit\u00e9 Laval Rouge et Or athletics head coach Sylvain Cloutier. \u201cWe also see this championship as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of runners. Hosting an event of this calibre in Quebec City allows young athletes and local running communities to experience the excitement of a national championship close to home, while highlighting the strength and enthusiasm of the running community in Quebec.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bringing the Cross Country Community Together<\/p>\n
Beyond the championship races, ACXC26 will highlight the spirit of the sport by bringing together athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, families and fans from across Canada.<\/p>\n
The event will provide a festival atmosphere celebrating running and encouraging participation at all levels, while highlighting Quebec City as a destination capable of hosting world-class sporting events.<\/p>\n
\u201cQuebec City has a proud sporting tradition and a passionate running community. We are excited to bring ACXC to a venue that will allow us to celebrate both the sport and the culture of this incredible city,\u201d said Chris Winter, Athletics Canada\u2019s Director, Domestic Programs and Safe Sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocal athletes from Quebec City are particularly excited to compete on home soil in 2026 and 2027. Two well-known names to watch will be Jean-Simon Desgagn\u00e9s, 2024 Olympian in the 3000 metre steeplechase, and Philippe Morneau-Cartier, who has represented Canada at the last two World Cross Country Championships,\u201d Lapointe said.<\/p>\n
For spectators, the Plains of Abraham will offer a front-row experience unlike any other, with opportunities to watch Canada\u2019s top runners navigate a challenging course in one of the country\u2019s most recognizable public spaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the fans, we hope to offer an exciting day of racing where they can get close to the action, cheer on Canada’s top runners and experience the unique atmosphere that makes cross country such a special sport. Most importantly, we want everyone who attends to leave Quebec City with great memories and a renewed appreciation for the city,\u201d said Cloutier.<\/p>\n
A Venue Built for Memorable Moments<\/p>\n
The Plains of Abraham have played host to some of Canada\u2019s most significant historical and cultural events, and in 2026, the iconic site will add a new chapter to its story as the stage for a national championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe course is highly spectator-friendly, and we expect a fantastic atmosphere throughout the event. Every time we have hosted the national university championships, the energy has been electric thanks to large and enthusiastic crowds. Athletes should prepare a relatively challenging grass course that features a mix of uphill sections, rolling terrain and flat stretches,\u201d said Lapointe.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone coming to Quebec City can look forward to a memorable championship experience, both on and off the course. We are working to create an event that reflects the energy and spirit of cross country running, with a challenging and exciting course, a welcoming atmosphere and strong support from our volunteers and the local community,\u201d Cloutier said.<\/p>\n