World XC course preview – Bathurst 2021

The World Athletics Cross Country Championship Bathurst 2021 course encapsulates the unique and picturesque landscape of regional New South Wales.

It is a technical course that will test both physical and mental ability. Like Aarhus 2019, this course will demand cross country nous as the athlete’s rhythm is broken over several challenging sections.

Runners will need to be constantly thinking about their pace, and positioning in the pack. With the ever-present and iconic backdrop of Mount Panorama, spectators will have sweeping views of the runners as they navigate the Billabong, the Boomerang and the Vineyard.

The tough uphill start is followed by some gentler undulating sections. Then comes the Billabong. Up and out of the Billabong, athletes will be sorted out as they move on to the run through to the vineyard and its stunning autumn foliage.

From there a fast downhill 350m section before sweeping up to complete the loop. At the end of the final loop there is a fast downhill 180m to the finish line.