Oeiras_International_Cross_Country
The Oeiras International Cross Country (Portuguese: Crosse Internacional de Oeiras) is an annual cross country running competition that takes place in Oeiras, Portugal. Established in 2000,[1] it is usually held in mid-November and is traditionally the first competition of the IAAF's cross country season, which culminates each year in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships.[2]
The Oeiras Cross Country has featured athletes such as Kenenisa Bekele, Paul Tergat, Gebregziabher Gebremariam and Felix Limo.[3] The race can be of high importance to Portuguese athletes as the results are often used to decide the national squad for the European Cross Country Championships.[4][5] The men's race is 9 kilometres long, while the women's race is held over 5 km.[6] In addition to the professional senior races, there are also a number amateur races, including shorter cross country races for children, as well as junior and veteran races.[7]
The course in Jamor is adjacent the Estádio Nacional,[8] the home ground of Portugal's national football team,[9] and is the same circuit that was used for the 1997 European Cross Country Championships and the men's 1999 European Club's Cross Country Cup in 1999.[10][11] It is a long and hilly course which features a green, scenic setting.[12] The competition is organised by the same group which sets up the Lisbon Half Marathon and the Portugal Half Marathon – the Maratona Clube de Portugal.[13]
The race has previously been broadcast live on television and attracts over 600 runners for the senior races annually.[14] The competition has been sponsored by a number of patrons over its short history, including: Vodafone, Sport Zone, Banco Português de Negócios, Energias de Portugal and Finibanco.[15][16]
