Tallahassee Takes the World Stage

In January 2026, Tallahassee, Florida will step into the global spotlight as it hosts the prestigious World Athletics Cross Country Championships, an elite international event that will bring together top distance runners from across the globe for a race unlike any other.

An economic impact study by The Sports Consultancy of the World Cross Country Championship, which took place in Denmark, 2019, showed a total economic impact of €4.3 million (~$4.99 million). International tourism and amateur participants visiting Tallahassee will increase revenue for businesses, providing an opportunity for a major boon over the short duration of the events.

The championships will take place at the acclaimed Apalachee Regional Park (ARP), owned and operated by Leon County Government, and widely recognized as one of the best cross-country venues in the world. With a track record that includes more than 75 major meets, including NCAA National Championships and USA Track & Field events, ARP is no stranger to
high-stakes competition.

Photos Courtesy of Visit Tallahassee

“Tallahassee and Leon County were chosen because Apalachee Regional Park is a venue loved by athletes and coaches worldwide,” explains Taylor Wheaton, senior sports director at Visit Tallahassee, the department leading the charge in organizing the event. “Our team is ready to deliver cross-country’s biggest stage.”

This marks the first time the United States has hosted the World Athletics Cross Country Championships since 1992, making it a momentous opportunity not just for Tallahassee but for the entire nation. The event is expected to bring in athletes from over 60 countries and thousands of spectators, transforming Florida’s capital city into an international hub of sport and culture.

A Florida-Themed Challenge

What sets this championship apart is the creativity and storytelling embedded in the racecourse design. Far from a typical cross-country layout, the course will showcase a vibrant, playful tribute to Florida’s identity—from its theme parks to its wildlife and beaches.

“We designed the course to be both fun and challenging,” says Wheaton. “Athletes will tackle a rollercoaster ramp, run under a 14-foot pedestrian bridge inspired by Florida’s theme parks, and race through a beach zone complete with surfboards, lifeguard chairs, and palm trees. It’s a beach party for fans and a challenging obstacle for the competitors.”

The spectacle continues with a water pit that evokes Florida’s coastal character, and an “Alligator Alley” segment where runners will leap over tree logs carved into alligator shapes. The course culminates in a mud zone inspired by the Everglades, demanding the kind of grit and endurance that defines champions.

“No cross-country course is complete without mud,” Wheaton adds. “This section will really show what it takes to be a world champion.”

Photos Courtesy of Visit Tallahassee

A Festival Atmosphere

More than just a race, the event is designed to be a fan festival, complete with food trucks, live music, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences celebrating Florida’s culture and natural beauty.

“We are building a world championship community,” says Wheaton. “We’ve enlisted over 500 volunteers, and we’re partnering with local schools, businesses, and organizations. It’s a full community effort.”

The impact is expected to be substantial. With an influx of athletes, teams, media, and spectators, local hotels, restaurants, and businesses will enjoy a boost that will ripple through the regional economy.

“Visitors will fill our hotels, dine at our restaurants, and shop around town,” Wheaton says. “This surge in tourism strengthens our businesses and ensures our community benefits directly.”

Photos Courtesy of Visit Tallahassee

A Lasting Legacy

Sustainability is also central to the planning. Organizers are prioritizing waste reduction and responsible event management, while investing in long-term enhancements to Apalachee Regional Park that will continue to benefit the local community well beyond the event.

“At the heart of our planning is sustainability,” notes Wheaton. “We’re dedicated to reducing waste, having responsible event management, and creating timeless upgrades for the Apalachee Regional Park that will live on for generations to enjoy.”

Backed by World Athletics, USA Track & Field, and an array of community sponsors, including Astro Travel, Publix, and Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic, the 2026 championships will serve as a defining moment for the region.

“The legacy of these championships will live on for generations,” says Leon County Administrator Vince Long. “This event will elevate the county’s profile, strengthen community pride, and position us as a future destination for world-class sporting events.”

On January 10, 2026, the world will race into Tallahassee, and the community will be more than ready to welcome it. ▪