The stage is set for a competitive showdown at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26, with entry lists confirming the participation of 485 athletes from 52 national federations for the global event scheduled for Saturday, 10 January, in Tallahassee, Florida.
According to World Athletics News, A total of 246 athletes, 101 women and 145 men, are entered in the senior individual races, while 163 athletes (76 women and 87 men) will contest the U20 events. The mixed relay, which made a successful return at the last edition, has attracted 15 national teams.
Kenya aim to extend dominance
Kenya arrive in Tallahassee as the defending top nation, having dominated the medal table at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade.
The East African powerhouse amassed 11 medals, including six gold, finishing ahead of Ethiopia and Uganda. Once again, Kenya will be keen to underline its reputation as a cross-country force, particularly in the senior races and the mixed relay.
Kiplimo targets historic hat-trick
All eyes in the senior men’s race will be on Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, who returns to defend his title. The 25-year-old has built an outstanding cross-country legacy, having won the U20 title on home soil in Kampala in 2017 before claiming back-to-back senior crowns in Bathurst in 2023 and Belgrade in 2024.
Kiplimo will be chasing a remarkable senior hat-trick in Tallahassee and will be supported by a strong Ugandan squad that includes Dan Kibet, a member of Uganda’s silver medal-winning team in Belgrade.
Renewed rivalries in the men’s race
One of the most anticipated battles will see Kiplimo renew his rivalry with Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi. The Olympic 10,000m silver medallist finished second behind Kiplimo in both Bathurst and Belgrade and will be eager to reverse the outcome in Florida. Ethiopia have named a formidable team, with Aregawi joined by Biniam Mehary and Tadese Worku.
The men’s field also boasts world-class depth, including world 10,000m champion Jimmy Gressier of France, European cross-country champion Thierry Ndikumwenayo of Spain, and Kenya’s world half marathon silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo.
Strong women’s field led by Ngetich
In the senior women’s race, world 10km record-holder Agnes Ngetich makes her return to World Cross Country Championships action for the first time in three years, following her bronze medal performance in Bathurst. She headlines Kenya’s team alongside national trials winner Maurine Chebor.
Challenging the Kenyan duo will be Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat, who finished fifth in Belgrade, just one place behind Ngetich, and Joy Cheptoyek, seventh in the world 10,000m final in Tokyo. Ethiopia’s Senayet Getachew, the U20 world cross-country champion in 2023, also steps up as a major contender.
Host nation hopes will rest on Weini Kelati Frezghi, who secured her Tallahassee spot by winning the US Cross Country Championships in Portland. She will be joined by runner-up Katie Izzo as the United States looks to make an impact on home soil.
U20 and mixed relay battles
The U20 races promise excitement, with Ethiopia’s 17-year-old Marta Alemayo returning to defend her title after a standout victory at the previous edition.
In the mixed relay, Kenya will be out to defend the title they claimed in Belgrade. Their squad includes world 1500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot, alongside Purity Chepkirui and Kyumbe Munguti, all members of the gold medal-winning team two years ago.
Where to Watch
Fans worldwide can follow the championships through a range of international broadcasters. World Athletics has advised viewers to check local listings, as coverage may vary between live broadcasts and highlights, with geo-restrictions applicable in some territories.
With titles to defend, rivalries to renew and new champions ready to emerge, WXC Tallahassee 26 promises a compelling start to the global athletics calendar.