Quebec City will host the Canadian Cross Country Championships in 2026 on the Plains of Abraham, Athletics Canada announced, placing one of the country's premier distance-running events against the city's historic ramparts and the St. Lawrence River.
Historic setting for national titles
The Plains of Abraham — known for its rolling turf, natural elevation changes and broad open fields — will stage races for a wide range of competitors, from youth categories through senior and Masters divisions, including para events. The choice of venue underscores the sport's appetite for courses that combine technical challenge with spectator appeal.
"Cross country is a sport that thrives on great courses and memorable settings, and the Plains of Abraham provide both,"
Athletics Canada CEO Mathieu Gentès said in the federation's announcement, framing the championship as an opportunity to showcase Canada's top runners at a site that blends natural terrain and civic heritage.
What will be contested
The event, identified in Athletics Canada materials as ACXC26, will feature races across multiple age groups and classifications. Organizers emphasised that the championships will include competition for U16, U18, U20, senior, para and Masters athletes — a programme intended to highlight both emerging talent and established competitors.
- Venue: Plains of Abraham, Quebec City
- Event: Canadian Cross Country Championships (ACXC26)
- Categories: U16, U18, U20, senior, para, Masters
Félix-Antoine Lapointe, head coach at Athlétisme Québec, welcomed the decision and pointed to the province and city's track record of hosting major cross country meets. In the federation's release he said the Plains have been a reliable stage for U Sports, provincial and regional championships and called hosting the national championships "the natural next step."
"It’s 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,"
Local impact and logistics
The arrival of ACXC26 will have several local implications. Large national championships typically draw athletes, coaches and supporters from across Canada, which can provide a short-term boost to hotels, restaurants and retail in the historic district and nearby neighbourhoods.
Organizers and municipal partners will also need to coordinate around the Plains' regular uses and conservation requirements. The site is a major public green space and tourist attraction; staging a national championship will require attention to course preparation, crowd management, and the protection of turf and archaeological features.
For the local running community, the event represents both inspiration and opportunity. Hosting Canada’s top cross country athletes on home soil gives local clubs, schools and recreational runners a chance to race in the same environment, spectate at a high level without long travel, and potentially participate in volunteer roles that often accompany national championships.
Looking ahead
Athletics Canada describes the championships as a showcase for the depth of Canadian distance running. With ACXC26 slated for one of Quebec City's most recognisable landscapes, residents can expect a mix of elite competition and community engagement when the championships arrive in 2026.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event name | Canadian Cross Country Championships (ACXC26) |
| Venue | Plains of Abraham, Quebec City |
| Races | U16, U18, U20, senior, para, Masters |
Further details on dates, start lists and local organisation are expected from Athletics Canada and the event's host committee as planning progresses. The announcement has already been welcomed by provincial officials and the local athletics community, who see the championships as both a sporting milestone and a chance to bring national attention to Quebec City's cultural and natural assets.
