Leon County’s Capital of Cross Country Builds on Global Legacy

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2026

Leon County’s Capital of Cross Country Builds on Global Legacy

Nine Premier Events Set to Showcase Apalachee Regional Park this Fall

All trails lead to Leon County and Tallahassee this fall as Leon County Government’s award-winning cross-country course at Apalachee Regional Park (ARP) gears up to host an elite lineup of cross-country competitions. In total, nine major meets are set to take place at ARP, capitalizing on the momentum of a historic year for sports tourism in Leon County.

Nationally and globally recognized as the Capital of Cross Country, Leon County is once again proving itself as a top destination for elite runners, college champions and future stars. Following the monumental success of hosting the world’s best distance runners during the World Athletics Cross Country Championship Tallahassee 26 (WXC Tallahassee 26) in January of this year, this season’s stacked calendar includes a mix of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and state-level championships.

The 2026 fall cross country season is projected to welcome more than 25,000 visitors from across the country and generate approximately $5.25 million in economic impact for Leon County.

Each of these events serves as a testament to the championship-caliber infrastructure of ARP showcased on the global stage in January. From high school state titles to national collegiate crowns, this year’s events build on the momentum generated during WXC Tallahassee 26. Leon County is proud to welcome athletes from every level to experience the world-class course at Apalachee Regional Park, which recently challenged the world’s top runners.

The legacy of hosting elite competition continues to cement ARP’s role as a permanent cornerstone of the national and international running calendar. Located in the heart of Florida’s Capital County, ARP is one of the few year-round sites in the United States built specifically for cross country, offering multiple loops, natural elevation changes, and scenic trails through pine forests.

Fall Cross Country Schedule at Apalachee Regional Park

Competitors, spectators, visitors and residents alike are encouraged to explore all that Leon County has to offer beyond the trails and amenities at ARP. Discover the rich blend of deep history, arts, culture and local dining in the Leon County/Tallahassee area that are essential to planning the ultimate sports getaway. Learn more about Florida's Capital County by visiting VisitTallahassee.com.

For more information, contact Genesis Leggett, Marketing Communications Manager for Leon County Tourism, at 850-606-2300 / Genesis.Leggett@VisitTallahassee.com or Mathieu Cavell, Director of Community Relations, Resilience, and Information, at 850-606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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About The Leon County Division of Tourism/Visit Tallahassee: The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) is the official destination marketing organization charged with marketing Tallahassee-Leon County as a premier leisure, business and sports destination through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports and visitor services. The Capital of Cross Country, Tallahassee-Leon County is home to the internationally recognized cross country course at Apalachee Regional Park, the host for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships. In 2025 Tallahassee-Leon County welcomed 2.6 million visitors who contributed $1.4 Billion in economic impact and accounts for more than 12,000 people employed in our community in the tourism & hospitality industry. For more information, go to VisitTallahassee.com or call toll free (800) 628-2866. Engage with Visit Tallahassee on Facebook and Instagram or visit us at the Leon County Visitor Information Center and Gift Shop located in at 414 E. Bloxham Street, Suite 115, Tallahassee, FL 32301.