Leon County Unveils World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 Medal Design
Today, Leon County Government is proud to unveil the official medal design for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 (WXC Tallahassee 26), taking place in just two months at Leon County’s Apalachee Regional Park, 7550 Apalachee Parkway.
A bold and symbolic creation designed by Florida State University Athletics Hall of Famer and 2008 US Olympian Rafeeq Curry, the design brings together local culture, natural beauty and the enduring spirit of athletic performance.
“I drew inspiration from the culture of Florida, cross country, and the flow state – that rare alignment where a clear goal meets a worthy challenge,” said Curry. “The body and mind rise instinctively to meet it. It is the peak experience where athletes and artists perform at their highest level."
The medal’s engraved lines symbolize both terrain and movement – echoing Florida’s rivers and rolling hills. At the top, radiating sunrays embody Florida’s global moniker, The Sunshine State, while an arrowhead pattern honors the Apalachee people – a native tribe in the Tallahassee region – as an acknowledgment of the land’s deep cultural legacy.
The WXC Tallahassee 26 event logo is at the center of the design, prominently placed to establish the global recognition of the race. The base of the medal includes carefully etched waves to reflect Florida’s distinct coastal geography and surrounding lakes and rivers.
The ribbon design complements this vision, featuring a seamless gradient and a rising wave that leads to the sun, a reflection of both natural elements and the spirit of competition. The waveforms mirror Florida’s dynamic environment, reflecting fluidity and motion. The sunrise represents the energy of daybreak, early starts, and the quiet intensity before the race begins.
After more than three decades, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships return to the United States, placing Leon County on a global stage as a premier destination for sport and culture. The event will be broadcast to more than 70 nations worldwide, showcasing the County’s scenic landscapes, dynamic culture, and legendary hospitality.
Event Details
- Date: January 10, 2026
- Location: Leon County Apalachee Regional Park, 7550 Apalachee Parkway
- Get Involved: Buy tickets or register for the World’s Fun Run: Florida Edition at VisitTallahassee.com/WXC26.
For information about the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26, please visit: WXCTallahassee26.com. Follow along @worldxcchampionships and @Visit_Tally.
For questions, please contact Kerri Post, Leon County Director of Tourism Development, at 850-606-2300 or Kerri.Post@visittallahassee.com or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Director of Community Relations & Resilience, at 850-606-5300 or CavellM@leoncountyfl.gov.
WXC Tallahassee 26 Gold Medal
WXC Tallahassee 26 Gold Medal Ribbons
Worlds Fun Run: Florida Edition Community Race Medal
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About World Athletics Cross Country Championships:
The World Athletics Cross Country Championships is one of the premier global events in athletics. This year’s event marks the return of the competition to the United States for the first time since 1992, when Boston hosted the championships. The event will feature more than 500 elite athletes from around the globe competing in five exciting races.
About Visit Tallahassee
Visit Tallahassee is the official tourism organization for Florida’s Capital City, inviting visitors to explore a destination where natural beauty meets rich history and dynamic culture. Nicknamed “Trailahassee,” the region features more than 700 miles of scenic trails perfect for biking, hiking, running and more, as well as opportunities to experience one of the world’s largest, deepest freshwater spring at Wakulla Springs through guided boat tours. With lush parks, breathtaking landscapes, and abundant wildlife, the city is a haven for outdoor lovers. Tallahassee also boasts a lively arts scene with colorful murals, renowned museums, performing arts venues and festivals year-round. Home to two major public universities - Florida State University and Florida A&M University - the city exudes youthful energy and Southern hospitality. Visitors can also enjoy a thriving culinary community, popular craft breweries and a range of family-friendly attractions. Whether an adventurer, history buff or foodie, Tallahassee offers an unforgettable getaway. Learn more at www.VisitTallahassee.com.
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