The 1961 International Cross Country Championships was held in Nantes, France, on March 26, 1961.

This year, an official junior championship (for athletes under 21 on the day of the race) was introduced.

A report on the men's event was given in the Glasgow Herald.

[1] Complete results for men,[2] junior men,[3] medallists, [4] and the results of British athletes[5] were published.

An unofficial count yields the participation of 109 athletes from 10 countries.