London chosen as host city for national track & field championships
Western Alumni Stadium to host events in 2027 and 2028
London is going to play a pivotal role as the host city of two competitions that decide which athletes will represent Canada on the world stage in two major international sporting events.
Athletics Canada announced Wednesday that London will host the 2027 Canadian Track and Field Championships and the 2028 Bell Track and Field Trials, with the events being held at Western Alumni Stadium.
The decision to hold the events in London is the result of a bid by Tourism London, along with the London Western Track and Field Club, Western University and city hall.
The 2027 championships will serve as a selection process for Canada's team for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, and the 2028 trials will help decide who competes for Canada at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
"Tasked with hosting our national outdoor championships, London is an ideal choice to showcase our athletes on their road to World Championships and Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Athletics Canada CEO Mathieu Gentès. "Track & Field has a long, decorated history in the city."
London's track history includes heavy-hitters like Alysha Newman, a bronze medalist in the 2024 Olympic pole vaulting competition, and Damian Warner, the 2020 Olympic champion in decathlon.
The city is well-versed in hosting major sporting events that draw large crowds. In 2024, the city hosted the Canadian Cross Country Championships, and the Ontario Summer Games. In 2023, London hosted the Tim Horton's Brier, the national men's curling championship.
According to Athletics Canada, the championships often bring close to 2,000 athletes, coaches and officials together.
The 2027 Canadian Track and Field Championships will run from Aug. 9 to 15, and the 2028 Bell Track and Field Trials will run from June 14 to 18.