Leon County Invests Cross Country Championships Proceeds in Student-Athletes
Leon County today presented a $10,000 check to Leon County Schools at Montford Middle School, investing Fun Run proceeds from the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in student-athletes across the county.
“Today is about turning a world-class event into real, lasting impact for our students,” said County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “By reinvesting a portion of the World Athletics Fun Run proceeds into our schools, we are strengthening athletic programs and creating more opportunities for young people across Leon County to thrive.”
The 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships drew more than 15,000 people, including nearly 11,000 visitors from outside the county and around the world, and generated more than $6 million in total economic impact for the local economy — exceeding early projections by more than 50 percent when accounting for the full ripple effect of visitor spending.
The funds will go towards supporting the school district’s cross-country and track and field teams, enabling more opportunities for the students to excel in these sports. This investment fulfills Leon County’s pledge to dedicate a portion of proceeds from the international championship event to benefit local athletics, ensuring a lasting community impact beyond race day.
“Leon County’s Apalachee Regional Park was built on a long-term vision of transforming a former landfill into a world-class venue that put our County on the global stage for cross country,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Directing these proceeds to student-athletes is how we make sure the benefits of that investment reach every corner of our community, not just on race day but for years to come.”
This effort is part of a broader strategic initiative in partnership with World Athletics to introduce, grow, and sustain the sport of cross country to the next generation of athletes. Leon County Schools will determine how the funding is distributed among its cross-country and track and field programs districtwide.
“We are grateful for this investment in our student-athletes and athletic programs,” said LCS Superintendent Rocky Hanna. “Support like this helps us provide valuable opportunities for students to build discipline, teamwork, and confidence through sports.”
The check presentation took place in the Montford Middle School gymnasium, where Leon County and Leon County Schools officials were joined by the Montford Middle School boys’ and girls’ cross country teams, both reigning district champions.
“For our students, this support shows them that their community believes in them,” said Montford Middle School Boys and Girls Cross Country Coach Brad Busboom. “This investment will have a direct impact on our ability to grow the sport and support young runners at every level.”
For more information, contact Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community Relations & Resilience, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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