In just 30 days, the world’s premier cross-country athletes will descend on Tallahassee as the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 (WXC Tallahassee 26) sees the global event return to the United States for the first time since 1992.
More than 500 athletes from over 60 countries are set to compete on a redesigned course at Apalachee Regional Park – marking one of the most significant international sporting events the US will host in 2026.
The world-class venue has been transformed specifically for this championship, featuring terrain inspired by Florida’s natural landscape, including sand, water, mud and a signature “rollercoaster” element that will challenge even the sport’s elite.
“More than 15 years of dedication and preparation have led to this historic moment,” said Kerri Post, executive director of the Leon County Division of Tourism. “Hosting the World Athletics Cross Country Championships is an extraordinary honour, and we are committed to creating an unforgettable experience for both athletes and spectators alike.”
Event organisers are delivering a fan-first experience unlike anything the sport has seen before. Spectator tickets are only $10, 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.
Fans can get in on the action, too. Immediately after the elite races, the public is invited to run or walk 2km or 4km in the Worlds Fun Run: Florida Edition. Registration is $30, with children 12 and under running for free.
Tallahassee–Leon County has long been a responsible steward of protecting natural resources through the implementation of environmentally conscious practices, and further actions have been incorporated into the planning and production of WXC Tallahassee 26 to ensure the event reflects the values of our community.
Sustainability efforts for WXC Tallahassee 26 include staffed recycling stations in high-traffic areas to help athletes and spectators properly sort waste; water refill stations to reduce single-use plastics; and a significant reduction in printed materials through the use of digital tools and QR codes. Catered events, including the welcome dinner and VIP hospitality lounge, will feature biodegradable bamboo and wood serving ware to reinforce waste-reduction goals.
In partnership with Sustainable Tallahassee, donated fabrics are being upcycled into deodoriser bags filled with Leon County’s biochar – an odor-eliminating, environmentally beneficial product made from locally collected yard debris – which will be gifted to the 500-plus volunteers supporting the event. Guests are also encouraged to contribute to waste-reduction efforts by donating gently used sneakers at on-site collection stations, made possible through a partnership with a Florida-based shoe recycler.
(World Athletics)
