Portuguese distance running greats Paulo Guerra and Jessica Augusto have been announced as event ambassadors for the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa, Portugal on 14 December.
Guerra won the inaugural edition of the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Alnwick, Great Britain in 1994 and went on to win four senior men’s titles in total between 1994-2000, a feat which has only been matched or surpassed by Ukraine’s nine-time senior winner Sergiy Lebid.
“It is an honour to be an ambassador for the upcoming European Cross Country Championships which will take place in Lago, in the Algarve. We hope everyone will come and support the national team so that Portugal can once again emerge victorious and achieve good results in this important event,” said Guerra.
A former U20 champion, Augusto graduated to senior gold on home soil at the 2010 SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Albufeira, one of three times that Portugal has staged the focal point of the European Cross Country Championships.
In fact, Augusto holds the distinction of being the last Portuguese winner at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships, winning individual gold and leading Portugal to team gold in the senior women’s race in 2010.
“I want to invite all Portuguese people to be part of this incredible event, the European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa. It will be a unique moment to celebrate sport, nature, and team spirit. Join us, bring your family and friends, and show the strength of Portugal,” said Augusto.
The 2025 SPAR European Cross Country Championships will be held at the Parchal Urban Park and is free for spectators to attend.
