XC is a special sport – to be involved as an athlete, then as someone who strove to make cross country the best it can be for the athletes, this is a great joy to me” It’s such a privilege for US runners to have this opportunity to compete at a world cross country on their home soil. “As a past champion, this news is near and dear to my heart. – Bob Braman, Head Coach Florida State University Track & Field/Men’s & Women’s Cross Country They don’t contest the sport at the Games so this is as big as it gets. It’s going to be awesome to show our incredible course to the entire World. Leon County should be incredibly proud to bring this amazing championship to Tallahassee, the State of Florida, and the US.” “Winning this bid is huge!! The World Championship is the Olympics of Cross Country. Thom Hunt, Chair USATF Cross Country Council 1977 World Cross Country Junior (U20) Champion who competed at a total of 4 World Cross Country Championships
We have hosted numerous national championships in Tallahassee and are confident that they will prove to be an excellent host to this great event in 2026.” The World Cross Country Championships have always been an important part in the development and continued excellence of both male and female US distance runners. “The USATF Cross Country Council is extremely proud and excited that Tallahassee has been awarded the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships. Watch the official press conference announcement HERE. This event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that highlights Leon County’s success in hosting running events and commitment to the sport of cross country.” “Winning the bid to host the most important international running event in the world and being listed among some of the best host cities in the world, speaks volumes to the vision of the Board of County Commissioners and our team who continue to dream big. Post, Director of the Leon County Division of Tourism. Now, 13 years later, we are hosting the world running competition,” said Kerri L. “In 2009, we set out to create an award-winning cross country course that could host local, state and national competitions. This announcement marks the beginning of increased visibility, additional events and training opportunities that come with the world championship site. While it will be internationally televised, the event is projected to be attended by 10,000 spectators from around the world, bringing in an estimated economic impact of over $4.3 million. The World Athletics Cross Country Championship is expected to draw more than 550 runners from over 60 countries that will compete in five official World championship races at Apalachee Regional Park. Now, we look ahead to hosting the world’s preeminent cross country champions.” “Five years ago, we sought to host the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships as the most prestigious cross country destination in the nation, and this past November, that goal became a reality. “We are beyond excited to have been chosen to host the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. From humble beginnings, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships has become one of the most exciting footraces in the world, featuring the world’s toughest runners. World Athletics is the international governing body for all running, jumping, throwing and walking sports. “We are thrilled to see this world event come to Leon County along with the incredible exposure and economic impact it will bring to the community.”
“It is the highest honor for Leon County to be chosen as the host location for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Bill Proctor. twice: East Rutherford, New Jersey, in 1984 and Boston, Massachusetts in 1992. Held since 1973 in cities across the globe, including Paris, Rome, Denmark and others, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships has only been held in the U.S. As the most prestigious competition in international cross country running, this event marks the first world championship sporting event ever to be held in Tallahassee/Leon County. On July 14th, World Athletics announced that Leon County has been awarded the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships at the award-winning Apalachee Regional Park.
TALLAHASSEE/LEON COUNTY TO HOST THE 2026 WORLD ATHLETICS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS AT APALACHEE REGIONAL PARK