The countdown has begun for one of the most anticipated global running events of the decade — the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 (WXC Tallahassee 26). Scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Apalachee Regional Park, this landmark event will showcase the finest distance runners on the planet as they battle for international glory on U.S. soil for the first time in over 30 years.
Tickets and Family-Friendly Fun
Tickets are officially on sale, starting at just $10. Children aged 12 and under receive free admission, creating an affordable and family-friendly atmosphere. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as the event is expected to draw thousands of spectators from around the world. The venue will feature a lively Fan Zone complete with food trucks, live music, interactive games, and activities designed to keep all ages entertained throughout the day.
A New Era for Cross Country
This year’s championship aims to bring the excitement of cross-country running to an entirely new level. Organizers have designed the event to maximize fan engagement, with multiple viewing areas and large video screens placed along the course to track the athletes in real time. Spectators will be able to follow every surge, every lead change, and every sprint to the finish without missing a step.
The World’s Fun Run: Florida Edition
In addition to the professional races, fans can take part in the World’s Fun Run: Florida Edition, a community event immediately following the championship competitions. Participants may choose between a 2km or 4km distance, with every runner earning a commemorative medal and the unique chance to tackle the same Florida-inspired course features as the elite athletes. Registration costs $25 per person, and a portion of proceeds will be donated to support Leon County Schools’ track and cross-country programs. Children aged 12 and under from Leon County can participate in the Kids Athletics 2km race for free.
A Global Field on a Legendary Course
The 2026 championships will attract hundreds of elite athletes from more than 60 nations. The Apalachee Regional Park course, widely recognized as one of the finest cross-country venues in North America, offers a dynamic layout featuring rolling hills, forest trails, sand, mud, water, and even a rollercoaster-style element. Designed by runners, for runners, it has hosted more than 75 national, state, and local championships over the past 13 years, cementing its reputation as a true test of endurance and versatility.
Global Spotlight Returns to the U.S.
This marks the first time since 1992 — when Boston hosted the event — that the World Athletics Cross Country Championships will take place in the United States. For Tallahassee, this moment represents both a sporting triumph and a cultural milestone. The event will be broadcast to more than 70 countries worldwide, giving global audiences a glimpse of Tallahassee’s scenic landscapes, community pride, and unmistakable Southern hospitality.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Location: Apalachee Regional Park, Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A.
- Tickets and Fun Run Registration: www.visittallahassee.com/WXC26
About the Championships
The World Athletics Cross Country Championships is one of the premier global competitions in athletics, attracting over 500 elite runners each edition. The 2026 event will feature five races, showcasing a mix of junior and senior categories for both men and women, as well as a mixed relay. It’s a showcase of endurance, precision, and mental toughness that embodies the spirit of cross-country running at its highest level.
Stay Connected
Fans can follow updates and behind-the-scenes coverage on social media:
- Instagram: @worldxcchampionships | @Visit_Tally
- Facebook: World Athletics XC Championships Tallahassee 26 | Visit Tallahassee
- X (formerly Twitter): @worldxcchamps | @Visit_Tally
- Hashtags: #WXCTallahassee26 | #WorldCrossCountry
For official information, event updates, and registration details, visit WXCTallahassee26.com.
With its international field, family-friendly atmosphere, and a course built for spectacle, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 promises to be a landmark moment in American athletics. It’s more than a race—it’s a celebration of endurance, community, and the shared spirit of competition that connects runners and fans across the world.
