Leon County Commissioners got an update this week on the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships (WXC). Apalachee Regional Park is set to host the event on January 10.
On July 14, 2022, Leon County was awarded the bid to host the 2026 WXC Championships. The WXC is considered the most prestigious cross-country event in the world. This world championship welcomes professional and amateur athletes from over 60 countries to compete on the largest cross-country stage every two years. This international competition has only been held in the United States twice, with Boston serving as the most recent domestic host in 1992.
In 2019, the WXC event was held in Aarhus, Denmark, and attracted over 500 runners from 63 different countries. In 2021, this biennial athletic competition was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The championship series was paused for two years moving the 2021 championship in Bathurst, Australia, to February of 2023. Following the 2023 event in Australia, World Athletics moved back to hosting its championship races on even years to better align with the Olympic games.
Officials say the Tallahassee event is expected to come with an economic impact to the tune of 4.5 million dollars as athletes and spectators travel to the area.
“This is going to be unlike any event held at Apalachee Regional Park before,” said Kerri Post, Director of the Leon County Division of Tourism. “Our theme is bold and inspiring — welcoming the world to Florida.”
Planning for the event has been in motion since Leon County was awarded the bid in 2022. The Board of County Commissioners has allocated $500,000 in tourism funds to support execution, with more support expected.
Officials say tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and community events — including a fun run and fan experiences — will roll out as final preparations begin.
Leon County Continues Prep for World Cross Country Championships added by Staff on
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