The 33rd edition of the event will take place at Bellahouston Park, marking the first time Glasgow has hosted the championships.
It will be the first time the UK has hosted the championships in 24 years, with the last edition taking place in Edinburgh in 2003.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland have a strong history at the championships, topping the medal table over three decades with a total of 201 medals, of which 81 are gold.
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said: “We are delighted for Glasgow to be awarded as hosts for the European Cross Country Championships in 2027.
“Cross country is at the heart of athletics in the UK, with many of our top runners beginning their journey on the muddy routes, making this an incredibly special competition to be hosting.
“We have a rich history of top performances from a Novuna GB and NI team perspective, so bringing this event back to the UK where it first began will be one not to be missed!”
The event will take place at Bellahouston Park, an iconic venue in Glasgow with a history of hosting major public gatherings and sporting events.
Buckner praised the city for its sporting legacy.
He said: “We know this championship will create an incredible atmosphere and showcase why this country loves cross country and we cannot wait to get started.”
Cherry Alexander, vice president of European Athletics, reflected on the significance of the event returning to UK soil.
Alexander said: “I am incredibly excited to bring this competition back to the UK, having worked on the inaugural event in Alnwick way back in 1994, it feels like a very special full circle. We know the UK, and specifically Scotland has a rich history with cross country and I am looking forward to seeing what Athletic Ventures, UK Athletics, Glasgow Life, and UK Sport create for Glasgow 2027.”
Glasgow Life, one of the key partners in the successful bid, emphasised the city’s experience in hosting international sports events.
Julie Pearson, head of events at Glasgow Life, said: “We’re delighted Glasgow has been chosen to host, for the first time, the SPAR European Cross Country Championships and look forward to working with partners to stage this prestigious event in 2027.
“Glasgow is renowned internationally as an expert, friendly host for world-class sporting events.”
The city has previously hosted the 1978 IAAF World Cross Country Championships, the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, among others.
Pearson said the event would have a positive impact on the city and its residents.
She said: “Our city is committed to encouraging and inspiring participation in sport and physical activity to make a positive impact that benefits Glasgow and its communities.
“The SPAR European Cross Country Championships offers a valuable opportunity to unite and enthuse competitors and spectators from near and far, so we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Bellahouston Park in the heart of Glasgow for the event’s 33rd iteration, and ensure its success.”
VisitScotland also welcomed the announcement and highlighted the broader benefits of hosting such events.
Rob Dickson, director of industry and events at VisitScotland, said: “Glasgow is the perfect stage for hosting world-class sporting events and so it’s fantastic that the city has been chosen for the 33rd SPAR European Cross Country Championships in 2027.”
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