<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"><span style="font-weight: bolder;" data-olk-copy-source="MailCompose">A History of the Award Winning Cross Country Trail at Apalachee Regional Park</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">Apalachee Regional Park (ARP) stands as a symbol of transformation&mdash;a story of how vision and collaboration can turn an unlikely space into a world-class venue. What once served as a county landfill and wooded pasture has evolved into a premier cross country destination, hosting some of the most prestigious running events in the nation. It remains one of Leon County&rsquo;s greatest success stories, a testament to its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;"><span data-olk-copy-source="MailCompose">The park&rsquo;s journey began with a dream shared by local running enthusiasts and community leaders who envisioned something extraordinary for this land. Early efforts were championed by Amanda Heidecker, a former NCAA competitive runner for Florida State University and former member of Visit Tallahassee, a division of Leon County Tourism, whose previous role with Leon County Parks and Recreation laid the foundation for ARP&rsquo;s initial development. Her passion and commitment helped guide the park&rsquo;s transformation, ensuring it met the needs of both athletes and the community.</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">&ldquo;In Leon County, the days of running cross-country races on makeshift surfaces and golf courses are long gone. We had a vision, and together, through our partnerships in the community, we created the premier permanent cross-country course in the nation.&rdquo; &ndash; Amanda Heidecker.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">Local running leaders, including Florida State University&rsquo;s Bob Braman and Leon High School&rsquo;s Brian Corbin, were instrumental in shaping ARP&rsquo;s trajectory. Braman, a vocal advocate for the park&rsquo;s potential, worked closely with Leon County to design a course that would attract national and international attention. His leadership ensured ARP became the chosen venue for the NCAA Division I National Championships&mdash;a historic first for Florida in the race&rsquo;s 83-year history. Similarly, Corbin&rsquo;s dedication to fostering youth athletics has brought countless high school meets to the park, cementing it as a hub for Florida&rsquo;s running community.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">The Gulf Winds Track Club, a cornerstone of the local running scene, also played a pivotal role in ARP&rsquo;s evolution. Through their advocacy and event coordination, the club ensured the park would be a central hub for runners of all ages and abilities.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: bolder;">A Premier Multi-Use Facility</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">Apalachee Regional Park is one of the nation&rsquo;s few sites specifically designed for cross-country running. Its pristine, multi-surface trail offers numerous course and distance options through rolling hills, lowlands, and pine forests, providing athletes a challenging and scenic experience. Designed to accommodate events of all sizes, the trail allows runners to compete on a variety of surfaces, while ensuring year-round access for the public to enjoy hiking, running, and biking.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">In addition to the cross-country course, ARP features four multi-purpose grass fields equipped with American football goals&mdash;two of which are lighted. These versatile fields host activities such as soccer, lacrosse, and Pop Warner football tournaments. The park also includes a remote-controlled airplane and helicopter airfield, further expanding its range of recreational opportunities.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">A 3,500-vehicle parking area ensures the park can accommodate large-scale events, positioning ARP as a venue capable of hosting national and international competitions.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: bolder;">Investing in a Vision</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">The park&rsquo;s transformation began in 2009 when Leon County, in partnership with Florida State University Athletics, the Gulf Winds Track Club, and Leon County Parks and Recreation, opened an 8-mile running trail. The first cross-country race was held in October of that year, sparking a vision for what the park could become.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">Recognizing ARP&rsquo;s potential, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners invested $300,000 in 2012 to widen the course to 10 meters, meeting NCAA requirements and attracting larger events. More recently, a $3 million investment in 2021 brought major improvements, including:</div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem;">
<li style="font-size: 12pt;">A multipurpose building with restrooms</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;">A permanent finish line structure and awards stage</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;">Landscaping and fully accessible sidewalks to enhance the event experience for all visitors</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">These enhancements have elevated ARP&rsquo;s ability to host events of global significance while ensuring the community enjoys top-tier facilities year-round.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: bolder;">A Global Cross-Country Destination</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">Since its early days, ARP has hosted over 100 cross-country meets, including multiple state, regional and national championships, and welcomed over tens of thousands of runners. By the end of 2025 cross-country season, events held at Apalachee Regional Park will have generated over $90 million in economic impact for Leon County, underscoring the park&rsquo;s role as a driver of sports tourism and economic impact.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: bolder;">Major milestones include hosting:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem;">
<li style="font-size: 12pt;">NCAA Division I Pre-Nationals and National Championships</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;">Florida High School State Championships</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;">USA Track and Field Club Nationals</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;">Florida State University Cross Country Invitational</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">In 2026, ARP will achieve a new pinnacle as it hosts the World Athletics Cross Country Championships on January 10&mdash;a first for both the state of Florida and Leon County.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: bolder;">A Testament to Sustainability and Community</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">Apalachee Regional Park&rsquo;s transformation is part of a master plan to repurpose the former Solid Waste Management Facility into a thriving regional park. It stands today as evidence of Leon County&rsquo;s and its partners&rsquo; commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable growth.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">The park&rsquo;s legacy is one of collaboration and vision, thanks to leaders like Amanda Heidecker, Bob Braman, Brian Corbin, and organizations such as the Gulf Winds Track Club and Florida State University. Their hard work has positioned Leon County as a prominent outdoor destination where sports tourism benefits the entire community.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: bolder;">Celebrating the Journey</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">Today, Apalachee Regional Park continues to set the standard for national cross country venues. Its versatile course, designed with input from athletes and coaches, features rolling hills, pine forests, and scenic trails, offering runners a challenging and inspiring experience.</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 12pt;">With its remarkable history and future on the global stage, ARP stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, vision, and community collaboration&mdash;a true landmark for Leon County.</div>
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<p style="font-size: 0.9em; color: #b2b2b2; text-align: right; margin: -15px 0 0px;">Apalachee Regional Park</p>
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46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships

Explore Apalachee Regional Park—Tallahassee’s world-class cross country course and multi-use venue. From local roots to global stage, discover how ARP became a hub for athletes, events, and community impact.

Let me know if you'd like a version tailored more for sports, tourism, or environmental focus.

History of Apalachee Regional Park

<h3><img src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/688a3961ed614cd529125826.jpg" alt="" width="955" height="600" /></h3>
<h2>GETTING HERE IS EASY</h2>
<p>Wehther visiting for the first time or making a return trip, Florida's Capital City is a short drive or flight from major destinations throughout the Southeastern United States.</p>
<h3>DRIVING HERE</h3>
<p>Located just 25 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico and 14 miles south of Georgia, Tallahassee is situated in the Florida Panhandle with convenient access provided by four major highways: I-10, U.S. 27, U.S. 319, and U.S. 90.</p>
<h3>TLH AIRPORT</h3>
<p>Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) is served by American Airlines, Delta, and Silver. Providing daily direct flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Washington D.C.</p>
<h2>CHAMPIONSHIP VISITOR TIPS</h2>
<p><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/weather-tallahassee-visit-tallahassee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Weather</a>: January in Tallahassee typically offers mild temperatures around 50-60<span class="TextRun SCXW163207168 BCX0" lang="EN-US" style="accent-color: auto; place-content: normal; place-items: normal; place-self: auto; alignment-baseline: auto; anchor-name: none; anchor-scope: none; animation: 0s ease 0s 1 normal none running none; animation-composition: replace; app-region: none; appearance: none; aspect-ratio: auto; backdrop-filter: none; backface-visibility: visible; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-size: auto; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: padding-box; background-clip: border-box; background-blend-mode: normal; baseline-shift: 0px; baseline-source: auto; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; border-collapse: separate; border-end-end-radius: 0px; border-end-start-radius: 0px; border-spacing: 0px; border-start-end-radius: 0px; border-start-start-radius: 0px; border-radius: 0px; inset: auto; box-decoration-break: slice; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: content-box; break-after: auto; break-before: auto; break-inside: auto; buffered-rendering: auto; caption-side: top; caret-color: #000000; clear: none; clip: auto; clip-path: none; clip-rule: nonzero; color: #000000; color-interpolation: srgb; color-interpolation-filters: linearrgb; color-rendering: auto; color-scheme: normal; columns: auto; column-fill: balance; gap: normal; column-rule: 0px #000000; column-span: none; contain: none; contain-intrinsic-block-size: none; contain-intrinsic-size: none; contain-intrinsic-inline-size: none; container: none; content: normal; content-visibility: visible; counter-increment: none; counter-reset: none; counter-set: none; cursor: text; cx: 0px; cy: 0px; d: none; direction: ltr; display: inline; dominant-baseline: auto; dynamic-range-limit: no-limit; empty-cells: show; field-sizing: fixed; fill: #000000; fill-opacity: 1; fill-rule: nonzero; filter: none; flex: 0 1 auto; flex-flow: row; float: none; flood-color: #000000; flood-opacity: 1; font-family: WordVisi_MSFontService, Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: none; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-palette: normal; font-size: 16px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: 100%; font-synthesis: weight style small-caps; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; forced-color-adjust: auto; grid-area: auto; grid: none; height: auto; hyphenate-character: auto; hyphenate-limit-chars: auto; hyphens: manual; image-orientation: from-image; image-rendering: auto; initial-letter: normal; inline-size: auto; inset-block: auto; inset-inline: auto; interactivity: auto; interpolate-size: numeric-only; isolation: auto; lighting-color: #ffffff; line-break: auto; line-height: 20.925px; list-style: outside none disc; margin: 0px; marker: none; mask: none; mask-type: luminance; math-depth: 0; math-shift: normal; math-style: normal; max-height: none; max-width: none; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; mix-blend-mode: normal; object-fit: fill; object-position: 50% 50%; object-view-box: none; offset: normal; opacity: 1; order: 0; outline: #000000 none 0px; outline-offset: 0px; overflow-anchor: auto; overflow-block: visible; overflow-clip-margin: 0px; overflow-inline: visible; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: visible; overlay: none; overscroll-behavior-block: auto; overscroll-behavior-inline: auto; overscroll-behavior: auto; padding: 0px; page: auto; paint-order: normal; perspective: none; perspective-origin: 0px 0px; pointer-events: auto; position: static; position-anchor: auto; position-area: none; position-try: none; position-visibility: always; print-color-adjust: economy; quotes: auto; r: 0px; reading-flow: normal; reading-order: 0; resize: none; rotate: none; ruby-align: space-around; ruby-position: over; rx: auto; ry: auto; scale: none; scroll-behavior: auto; scroll-initial-target: none; scroll-margin-block: 0px; scroll-margin: 0px; scroll-margin-inline: 0px; scroll-marker-group: none; scroll-padding-block: auto; scroll-padding: auto; scroll-padding-inline: auto; scroll-snap-align: none; scroll-snap-stop: normal; scroll-snap-type: none; scroll-timeline: none; scrollbar-color: auto; scrollbar-gutter: auto; scrollbar-width: auto; shape-image-threshold: 0; shape-margin: 0px; shape-outside: none; shape-rendering: auto; speak: normal; stop-color: #000000; stop-opacity: 1; stroke: none; stroke-dasharray: none; stroke-dashoffset: 0px; stroke-linecap: butt; stroke-linejoin: miter; stroke-miterlimit: 4; stroke-opacity: 1; stroke-width: 1px; tab-size: 8; table-layout: auto; text-align-last: auto; text-anchor: start; text-box: normal; text-combine-upright: none; text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-color: #000000; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; text-emphasis: none #000000; text-emphasis-position: over; text-orientation: mixed; text-overflow: clip; text-rendering: auto; text-shadow: none; text-size-adjust: auto; text-spacing-trim: normal; text-underline-offset: auto; text-underline-position: auto; text-wrap-style: initial; timeline-scope: none; touch-action: auto; transform: none; transform-box: view-box; transform-origin: 0px 0px; transform-style: flat; transition: all; translate: none; unicode-bidi: normal; user-select: text; vector-effect: none; vertical-align: baseline; view-timeline: none; view-transition-class: none; view-transition-name: none; visibility: visible; border-block-end: 0px none #000000; border-block-start: 0px none #000000; border-inline-end: 0px none #000000; -webkit-border-image: none; border-inline-start: 0px none #000000; -webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-decoration-break: slice; -webkit-box-direction: normal; -webkit-box-flex: 0; -webkit-box-ordinal-group: 1; -webkit-box-orient: horizontal; -webkit-box-pack: start; -webkit-font-smoothing: auto; -webkit-line-break: auto; -webkit-line-clamp: none; -webkit-locale: 'en-US'; block-size: auto; margin-block: 0px; margin-inline: 0px; -webkit-mask-box-image-source: none; -webkit-mask-box-image-slice: 0 fill; -webkit-mask-box-image-width: auto; -webkit-mask-box-image-outset: 0; -webkit-mask-box-image-repeat: stretch; max-block-size: none; max-inline-size: none; min-block-size: 0px; min-inline-size: 0px; padding-block: 0px; padding-inline: 0px; -webkit-rtl-ordering: logical; -webkit-ruby-position: before; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-combine: none; -webkit-text-fill-color: #000000; -webkit-text-orientation: vertical-right; -webkit-text-security: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: #000000; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-modify: read-only; -webkit-writing-mode: horizontal-tb; white-space-collapse: preserve; width: auto; will-change: auto; word-break: normal; writing-mode: horizontal-tb; x: 0px; y: 0px; z-index: auto; zoom: 1; border: 0px none #000000;" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW163207168 BCX0">&deg;F</span></span> (10-18<span style="color: #000000; font-family: WordVisi_MSFontService, Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; -webkit-text-fill-color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke-color: #000000; caret-color: #000000; white-space-collapse: preserve;">&deg;C</span>) but occasionally dip cooler with below freezing temps possible. Bring layers!</p>
<p>Transportation: Consider ride sharing services like Lyft or Uber to get to and from the course.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Championship Shuttles: Check the official World Athletics Championship website for more information on special event shuttles.</p>
<p><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/stay" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Accommodations</a>: Book early! Hotels and short-term rentals near the championship venue will fill quickly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We can't wait to welcome you to Tallahassee for this world-class sporting event. Beyond the excitement of the championship, we hope you'll discover why Florida's Capital City is truly the perfect blend of natural beauty, southern charm, and rich culture.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>WHY TALLAHASSEE SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR</h2>
<p>Tallahassee is a premier destination with endless opportunities to explore. From outdoor adventures to award-winning dining, here's what makes it a must-visit city:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/eat-drink/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Award Winning Dining Scene</a>: From Southern comfort food to innovative farm-to-table restaurants, Tallahassee's culinary landscape will surprise and delight your taste buds.</li>
<li><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/trailahassee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Outdoor Paradise</a>: With over 700 miles of trails, crystal-clear springs, and lush parks, our natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for adventure and relaxation.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="Rich%20History%20and%20Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rich History and Culture</a>: Discover Florida's past through our museums, historics sites, and vibrant arts districts.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/688a3ad6e6725187fe57141d.jpg" alt="" width="1728" height="1080" /></p>
<h2>TOP ATTRACTIONS YOU CAN'T MISS</h2>
<p>Before driving into our curated itineraries, make sure these Tallahassee highlights are on your list:</p>
<h3>Outdoor Gems</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/partners/alfred-b-maclay-gardens-state-park/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park</a>: Stunning ornamental gardens and historic grounds with floral blooms between January through April.</li>
<li>Cascades Park: Urban park featuring trails, an amphitheater, and interactive children's splash pad.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/st-marks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge</a>: Coastal refuge with lighthouse views and abundant wildlife. Perfect for birding and outdoor enthusiasts.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/partners/edward-ball-wakulla-springs-state-park/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wakulla Springs</a>: Visitors can swim and explore where mastodons once roamed and take guided boat tours where dugout canoes once glided across the cool waters. Alligators, manatees and an abundance of bird life can all be seen. Marvel at the 1930s Spanish style lodge with its period furniture, original elevators and colorful painted ceilings that depict wildlife and Old Florida scenes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/688a3ccdb4129acbc9dc293a.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="1500" /></p>
<h3>Cultural Hotspots</h3>
<ul>
<li>Florida Historic Capitol Museum: Restored 1902 building showcasing Florida's political history.</li>
<li>Railroad Square Art District: Vibrant arts district housed in historic warehouse buildings.</li>
<li>Mission San Luis: Reconstructed 17th-century Spanish mission and Apalachee Native American village.</li>
</ul>
<h2>TAILORED ITINERARIES FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELER</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/with-the-family-itinerary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Family Fun Itinerary</a>: Engage in activities suitable for all ages, fromexploring the Challenger Learning Center to spotting wildlife at Wakulla Springs.</li>
<li><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/the-free-spirit-itinerary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Free Spirit Itinerary</a>: For those seeking unique experiences, this itinerary offers a blend of chic, classic, contemporary, and vintage adventures.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/the-history-buff-itinerary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">For History Buffs</a>: Dive deep into Tallahassee's rich history with visits to the Tallahassee Museum and the historic Mission San Luis.</li>
<li><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/public-art-murals-itinerary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Public Art Lovers</a>: Embark on a self-guided tour of Tallahassee's outdoor public art, from murals to sculptures, promoting a healthy lifestyle and cultural apreciation.</li>
<li><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/the-adventure-seeker-itinerary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adventure Seekers</a>: Get your adrenaline pumping with activities like mountain biking in Tom Brown Park and kayaking on the Wacissa River.</li>
<li><a href="https://visittallahassee.com/day-trips/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Day Trips</a>: Explore nearby attractions such as the quaint town of Thomasville, Georgia or the pristine beaches along the Gulf Coast.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/688a3ec8333cdfe30604e398.jpg" alt="" width="2000" height="2667" /></p>

Plan your trip to Tallahassee for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championship! Florida’s Capital City offers award-winning dining, rich culture, outdoor adventures, and curated itineraries for every traveler. Find travel tips, top attractions, and nearby day trips.

Plan Your Trip To Watch WXC Tallahassee 26

<div>The countdown is under way with less than 200 days to go until the top cross-country athletes from around the globe arrive in the United States to converge on Tallahassee, Florida&rsquo;s capital city. The official logo has now been revealed, and excitement is building to &lsquo;Welcome the World&rsquo; to Florida for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships on 10 January 2026.</div>
<div>
<p>The logo reveal marks another thrilling step in Tallahassee&rsquo;s preparation to host the 2026 championships. The colourful design reflects Florida&rsquo;s beauty, energy and distinct character. Tallahassee, with its iconic sunshine and rolling hills of various terrain, dispels the common perception that all of Florida is flat. The WXC Tallahassee 26 logo highlights Florida&rsquo;s global identity as the Sunshine State, and features an orange, the state fruit, and orange blossoms, the state flower, reflecting Florida&rsquo;s deep agricultural heritage. The lush greenery includes the sabal palm, Florida&rsquo;s official state tree, reinforcing Tallahassee&rsquo;s scenic natural beauty and its 700 miles of trails. The depiction of water represents Florida&rsquo;s abundant rivers, lakes and expansive coastline statewide.</p>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/686bd1f49941422cb37046cc.jpg" alt="WXC Tallahassee 26 logo" />
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<p>Apalachee Regional Park and its nationally renowned cross-country course will serve as the championship venue, proudly hosting the athletes and spectators from around the globe. Apalachee Regional Park has hosted more than 75 national, state and local cross-country championships over the past 13 years.</p>
<p>The championship course was designed by runners for runners, and winds through lush grass, crushed oyster shell, red clay, over rolling hills and through pine forests. It is an outstanding course that will stimulate and challenge competitors and inspire and engage spectators. Apalachee Regional Park is named in honour of the Apalachee, a large and powerful tribe of Native Americans who inhabited the Tallahassee region for more than 10,000 years.</p>
<p>The World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 promises to deliver an outstanding championship experience unlike no other.</p>
<p>"Tallahassee, Florida, has a long and rich history as a running community, and especially cross-country," said Kerri L Post, Executive Director for Visit Tallahassee. "Our community is united through the power of sports to showcase our area&rsquo;s beauty, friendly spirit, our hospitality, our culture and the pride we take in hosting this prestigious championship event and Welcoming the World to Tallahassee, Florida.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The World Cross Country Championships is the oldest World Athletics Series competition on the calendar; the forerunner to this event, the International Cross Country Championships, was first held in 1903. This, the 46th edition of the World Cross, marks a return to the United States for the first time since 1992, when Boston hosted the event. New York also staged the competition in 1984.</p>
<p>More than 500 athletes from 65 countries &ndash; including the Athlete Refugee Team &ndash; will compete across five crowd-pleasing races: the men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s U20 and senior races, as well as the mixed relay.</p>
<p>Stay tuned for ways to get involved, including ticket sales and fun run registrations, coming soon.</p>
<p>For information about the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wxctallahassee26.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wxctallahassee26.com</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For media inquiries, please reach out to <a href="mailto:VTPR@zimmerman.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTPR@zimmerman.com</a>.</p>
</div>
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The World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 reveals a vibrant new logo celebrating Florida’s lush landscapes, deep springs, and bold skies. Discover the story behind the design.

WXC Tallahassee 26 logo revealed

45th World Athletics Cross Country Championships

World Athletics Cross Country Championships

<center>
<div style="max-width: 1000px;">
<p><span lang="EN-US">The world&rsquo;s best runners are heading to Tallahassee, Florida, for the 46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships on Saturday, January 10, 2026. This marks the event&rsquo;s long-awaited return to U.S. soil for the first time in over 30 years!</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">From the energy of the crowd to the thrill of the course at Apalachee Regional Park, </span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">this is your chance to witness world-class competition at its finest.</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">&nbsp;</span></p>
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World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee26

CLosestFinishes

Relive the closest finishes in Tokyo  | World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25

Special Celebrations | World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25

last gasp

Last Gasp Field Feats | World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25

Botswana win the men's 4x400m relay in Tokyo

Tebogo and Botswana defy massive rainstorm to make relay history | Tokyo Top Performance Day 9

Day 9 HL

Day 9 Highlights | World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25

Beatrice Chebet celebrates winning 5000m gold in Tokyo

Chebet beats best friend Kipyegon to complete distance double  | Tokyo Top Performance Day 8

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Watch again – World Athletics Outdoor Championships | Day 9 Evening Session

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Day 8 Highlights | World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Noah Lyles celebrate their 200m golds in Tokyo

History makers Lyles and Jefferson-Wooden claim 200m crowns for USA  | Tokyo Top Performance Day 7

30-day countdown begins for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26

Kelati Frezghi and Wolfe take US cross-country titles in Portland

World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 unveils official medal design

Tickets on sale to witness the world's best runners compete at the WXC Tallahassee 26

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