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Tallahassee to Host First U.S. World Athletics Cross Country Championships

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 11:24 GMT by NBC Sports
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Tallahassee to Host 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships – A Detailed Summary

This Saturday, March 30th, Tallahassee, Florida, will become the first U.S. city to host the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, marking a significant moment for the sport in the United States. The event, presented live on Peacock and CNBC, promises a thrilling day of competition featuring over 500 athletes from 46 countries vying for medals across various age categories – senior, junior, and mixed-team relay. This article summarizes the key details of the championship, its significance, the broadcast schedule, and what to expect from the competition.

A Landmark Event for U.S. Athletics & Cross Country

Historically, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships (often referred to as “Worlds XC”) have been held primarily in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Bringing the event to the United States is a strategic move by World Athletics to broaden the sport’s global reach and foster its growth in a new market. Tallahassee was selected as the host city due to its established reputation as a running hub, thanks to the Apalachee Regional Park, which has hosted numerous NCAA Cross Country Championships, including nine of the last eleven. The park’s challenging and diverse terrain, including rolling hills, sand, and wooded sections, is considered ideal for cross country racing, providing a demanding but spectator-friendly course.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe highlighted the importance of the event, stating it's “a landmark moment” and “a very important step in the development of cross country running.” He emphasized the commitment to make athletics more accessible and engaging globally, and this championship represents a key piece of that strategy.

Competition Format & Key Races

The championships will feature six races throughout the day, catering to different age and team compositions. Here’s a breakdown:

• Junior Men’s Race (10:00 AM ET, Peacock): This race will showcase rising stars in the men's division, providing a glimpse into the future of the sport.
• Junior Women’s Race (10:45 AM ET, Peacock): Similar to the men's race, this event highlights emerging talent on the women's side.
• Mixed-Team Relay (12:00 PM ET, CNBC): A relatively new addition to the World Athletics program, the mixed-team relay is a dynamic and exciting event. Teams of four – two men and two women – each run a 2km loop, offering a fast-paced and strategic competition.
• Men’s Race (1:20 PM ET, Peacock): The premier event for men, featuring a stacked field of elite cross country runners vying for the individual and team titles.
• Women’s Race (2:20 PM ET, Peacock): The highly anticipated women’s race, promising a battle between top female athletes from around the world.
• Short Course Race (4:00 PM ET, Peacock): A newer format designed to attract a broader audience, the short course race features a faster, more compact course and a less traditional cross country experience.

Athletes to Watch

While the full athlete roster is extensive, several individuals are highlighted as strong contenders. On the men’s side, Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu is a pre-championship favorite, having secured a dominant victory at the Cross Country Championships trials. Fellow Ethiopian Addisu Yihun is also expected to be in contention.

For the women, Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey, a world record holder in multiple distances, is a key athlete to watch. Uganda’s Stella Chesang, a seasoned cross country competitor, also poses a significant threat. The American team, led by athletes like Ben Weir and Katelyn Tuohy, aims to make a strong showing on home soil. Tuohy, in particular, has garnered significant attention as a rising star and is considered a medal contender.

Broadcast Details & How to Watch

NBC Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships. Here's how fans can tune in:

• Peacock: All six races, except the Mixed-Team Relay, will be streamed live on Peacock.
• CNBC: The Mixed-Team Relay will be broadcast live on CNBC, reaching a wider television audience.
• Online Streaming: Viewers can access Peacock through the Peacock app or website. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will also offer live coverage.
• On-Demand Viewing: Races will be available on-demand on Peacock after the live broadcast.

Beyond the Competition: Impact and Future of Cross Country

Hosting the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee is expected to have a significant economic impact on the local community, bringing in tourism revenue and showcasing the city as a destination for sporting events. More importantly, it presents a unique opportunity to raise the profile of cross country running in the United States, a sport that often operates in the shadow of track and field and road racing.

World Athletics hopes that this event will inspire a new generation of runners and cultivate greater participation in cross country at all levels. By bringing the world’s best athletes to American soil, they aim to demonstrate the excitement and athleticism of cross country running to a broader audience, paving the way for its continued growth and success. The success of this event could lead to further World Athletics Championships being held in the U.S., further solidifying the country's position in the global athletics landscape.

You can find further information and complete schedules at [ https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/2026-world-athletics-cross-country-championships-from-tallahassee-fla-presented-live-on-peacock-and-cnbc-this-saturday ] and the official World Athletics website.