The course for the 2008 IAAF World Cross Country Championships will be staged within the magnificant setting of Holyrood Park. This Royal Park, in the shadow of Holyrood Palace, offers a dramatic natural landscape setting, yet is only 15 minutes walk away from Edinburgh city centre.

The course is designed to take advantage of the natural undulations within the park and will offer a true test in the art of cross country running.

Undoubtedly Haggis Knowe is the centre piece of the course - this large rocky outcrop will provide steep climbs and descents for the athletes as well as offering a superb spectating position with views of the entire course. All races - Junior Women, Junior Men, Senior Women and Senior Men - will consist of a series of small laps (approx 1,800 metres) and large laps (approx 2,100 metres) which will go round Haggis Knowe at least once.

The 2003 European Cross Country Championships were staged in Holyrood Park and the Edinburgh International Cross Country races held every January are now an established event in world athletics; indeed, it is intended that the course for the World Cross Country Championships will be trialed at this event in January 2008.

Supporting features in Holyrood Park are planned around the event and include a "kidzone" with an assult course and junior athletics as well as a rock concert after the closing ceremony.

For more information please visit www.edinburgh2008.org