The world cross country championships scheduled for Bathurst in February have been pushed back to 2023 due to travel restrictions in place in Australia.
Governing body World Athletics has confirmed the championships, set for February 19, will now take place in Bathurst on February 18, 2023.
"Athletics Australia and the LOC are delighted that World Athletics and its partners have agreed to the postponement, which allows us to plan and deliver a world-class celebration of cross country running in February 2023," said LOC co-chair and Athletics Australia board member Jill Davies.
"This is one of the most exciting athletics events in the world and the iconic course at Mount Panorama will see some incredible racing."
The World Athletics Cross Country Championships is regarded as the toughest race on the calendar, with the world's greatest distance runners tested by challenging terrain.
The 2023 event will be the 44th edition of the championships and will welcome more than 550 elite athletes from more than 60 countries to the famed Mount Panorama venue.
With borders closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the 14-day quarantine requirements for international visitors to Australia was deemed not to be practical for a one-day event.
The World Athletics Cross Country Championship will comprise the under 20 men's (8km) and women's World Championships (6km), the Universal mixed relay world championship (8km) and the Senior individual men's and women's World Championships (10km).
Australian Associated Press
