New Zealand is to host the 2005 world mountain running championships.
The World Mountain Running Congress in Alaska today accepted New Zealand's bid to stage the event in Wellington in September, 2005.
New Zealand beat a bid from England by 19 votes to six.
Wellington organising committee chairman Martin MacDonald had predicted going into the congress that the margin would only be two or three votes.
"We were delighted with the late swing in our favour, and that reflects both the substantial bid we prepared with all issues covered, including European teams' travel subsidies, and the effort put in by the bid team," MacDonald said.
Athletics New Zealand general manager John Stewart applauded the support of the Wellington City Council, funding agency Sparc and the New Zealand Community Trust, all of whom supported the bid.
"This was a very well prepared bid that deserved to win, and the group behind it have every reason to be very proud," he said.
The 2003 world championships begin tomorrow on a steep, stony and technical course in Alaska.
- NZPA
Athletics: NZ to host world mountain running champs
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