30-Day Countdown Begins for the
World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26
In just 30 days, the world’s premier cross country athletes will descend on Leon County as the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 (WXC Tallahassee 26) returns to the United States for the first time since 1992. More than 500 athletes from over 60 countries are set to compete on a newly redesigned course at the County’s Apalachee Regional Park—marking one of the most significant international sporting events the U.S. will host in 2026.
“Hosting this international championship is the highest honor for Leon County as we welcome the world’s best cross-country athletes to our community,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “This championship is about more than one day of racing -- it is the culmination of years of investment in our County parks, our trails, and our local tourism economy, and it showcases the very best of who we are to a global audience.”
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.
“This global moment results from the County’s years of strategic planning, long-term investment, and the expertise of our Leon County Tourism team,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “By intentionally investing in the Apalachee Regional Park as a world-class cross country venue, we positioned our community to host the most prestigious running event in the sport, and now the World Athletics Cross Country Championships will showcase Leon County’s Apalachee Regional Park on the sports’ largest stage.”
Event organizers 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.
“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 honor, and we are committed to creating an unforgettable experience for both athletes and spectators alike.”
Fans can get in on the action, too. Immediately after the elite races, the public is invited to run or walk a 2K or 4K 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 deodorizer 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+ 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.
WXC Tallahassee 26 builds on the County’s continued success. Since opening the County’s Apalachee Regional Park, Leon County’s long-term investment in the facility has enabled the community to host more than 75 national, regional, state, and local cross country championships and events, drawing over 80,000 athletes and generating more than $84 million in direct visitor spending for our community. Marquee events have included the NCAA Division I Cross Country National Championships and other major collegiate and high school championships, further establishing Apalachee Regional Park’s reputation as one of the premier cross country venues in the United States—and now the world!
Event Details
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