The beauty of cross-country is in its simplicity—you run, you endure, and you push through the toughest of trails. – Bill Bowerman
On January 10, 2026, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships return to U.S. soil for the first time in over thirty years—landing at Apalachee Regional Park, the crown jewel of Leon County and one of the top cross country courses in the nation.
Recognized as the pinnacle event for cross country and long-distance runners, this global competition brings together the world’s fastest athletes for a celebration of grit, endurance, and international unity—all set against the rolling hills and natural beauty of Florida’s Capital City.
Got that from VisitTallahassee.
Visa problems have decimated the Ethiopian team for this weekend’s global championships but most of Europe continues to quietly boycott this once proud event.
The Ethiopian squad at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday (Jan 10) has been hit by multiple visa rejections. But when it comes to no-shows it is the tip of the iceberg with most of Europe once again quietly boycotting the global event.
Letsrun.com revealed this week that the United States has rejected 14 athlete visa applications from Ethiopia. It has mainly affected the under-20 teams but officials, coaches, senior athletes and relay runners from the east African nation also had problems despite the organisers being well aware of likely issues.
Yet Ethiopia aside, the number of countries missing from the event is alarming.
The list of no-shows in Tallahassee includes Italy, Germany, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Austria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Ukraine, Turkey and Switzerland – to name just a few. In addition, Belgium has only one runner (in the under-20 men’s race) while Netherlands also has just one athlete (senior women’s race). Denmark and Serbia have hosted the event in recent years, too, but are not supporting the 2026 championships.
All of which is a shame because Tallahassee promises to serve up an interesting and challenging course with a good atmosphere and global medals at stake.
As well as entire teams missing, a number of the world’s leading star names won’t be there. From Beatrice Chebet of Kenya to Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway, the list of absentees is painful. Even some top Americans like Cole Hocker and Grant Fisher have given it a miss.
The irony is that if more European runners had targeted Tallahassee then they might have found it easier to place higher due to the Ethiopian absence.
Got that from Athletics Weekly (GB).
Team USA brought most of the big guns, which is the only reason a medal is even a possibility. On paper it ought to be led by Nico Young and Graham Blanks, but in practice, those two were shown a clean muddy pair of heels by the likes of Parker Wolfe, Rocky Hansen, Wesley Kiptoo, and Ahmed Muhumed. If the two Olympians have leveled up since the U.S. Champs—which were admittedly at an even weirder time on the training calendar for most pros—and the guys who beat them are still running strong, a podium finish isn’t out of the question. But in a race where only four runners score, it’ll take a great day.
The United States squad looks to be led by Weini Kelati, who has finished as high as 15th at World XC. Katie Izzo (perhaps the American pro who spends the most time annually racing cross country), Ednah Kurgat (has finished 18th at World XC), and Karissa Schweizer finished behind Kelati at the U.S. Champs, and if nothing too wild happens (hardly a guarantee) should make up Team USA’s scoring four. That’s a solid squad, but one that will require a little bit of Tallahassee Magic to score a podium finish.
Savvy analysis from TheLapCount.com.
Have to be careful what I say yet myself. At least until I have those treasured press credentials in my pocket. Here in Seminole Country for Mystical Miles, the legendary Dutch publication. Word has reached me, the Netherlands did not even bother to send a team. Know for a fact, Sifan Hassan is Dutch and WTF?
Staying at the wrong hotel. Blocks within each other SAME NAME but no chance to change. The word “penalties” was used. So I am stuck at the better joint, the one without the hard-partying media coterie. And it’s their turn to buy, too.
Run. Cheer. Witness History.
The World Arrives This Saturday.
Will You Be on the Starting Line or in the Fan Zone?
This Saturday, January 10, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships return to American soil for the first time in over 30 years. Apalachee Regional Park is the stage, and Florida’s Capital City is the host, as the best athletes on the planet descend on Tallahassee for a historic showdown.
🏃 Last Call: Walk or Run the Course. Want to experience the same hills and thrills as the world’s elite? Registration for the Community Fun Run closes SOON. Do not miss your chance to earn your medal on this legendary course.
🔗 Register here for the Fun Run.
📣 Watch the Top Athletes Compete: Spectator tickets are available, offering fans an affordable experience with access to multiple viewing areas, jumbo screens showing the action live, and a family-friendly fan zone filled with food trucks, music, and interactive activities. Witness the speed, grit, and glory as world champions are crowned right in our backyard.
🔗 Get your spectator ticket here.
We want your World Championship experience to be seamless. Whether you are lacing up to run or bringing the whole family to spectate, here is everything you need to know to navigate Apalachee Regional Park this Saturday.
- Plan Your Arrival – Traffic will be heavier than usual. Please review the parking maps and allow extra time to get into the venue.
- Pack Smart – Remember, this is a cross country event! Comfortable walking or trail shoes are recommended. Check the forecast and dress appropriately.
- View the Venue Map – Familiarize yourself with the course, the Fan Zone, and the Athlete Village before you arrive.
- Get Real-Time Updates – Follow us on social media for the latest race-day news and catch all of the behind-the-scenes action all day long. Click here to follow our Facebook and Instagram channels.