The 46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships was held on January 10, 2026 in Tallahassee, Florida, marking a highly competitive event that brought together 485 athletes from 52 countries to compete in multiple endurance and distance athletic events.
The day featured five official races, including the senior men's and women's events, challenging distances for the under-20 categories, and a mixed relay. Among the most notable results, Jacob Kiplimo won gold in the senior men's race with an impressive time, securing his third consecutive title and solidifying his position as one of the most dominant cross-country runners of this decade.
Although runners from other nations dominated a large part of the podiums, several representatives from the United States achieved competitive positions in the overall ranking, consolidating the growth and investment in long-distance athletics within the host country.
The event not only celebrated high athletic performance, but also underscored the United States' organizational capacity to host high-profile global competitions, with the presence of elite teams from Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.