Kenyan athletes have won the past nine senior women&rsquo;s titles and while two-time champion Beatrice Chebet will not be defending her crown, her compatriots will be going for gold again at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 on Saturday (10).
With Chebet missing the 2026 season to start a family, a new champion will be crowned at the Apalachee Regional Park and the race for the title will be fierce. Her compatriot Agnes Ngetich, the world 10km record-holder, has the chance to build on the bronze she claimed behind Chebet in Bathurst in 2023.
Ngetich placed fourth as part of a Kenyan top four led by Chebet in Belgrade in 2024 and finished in the same position in the world 10,000m final in Tokyo. Her most recent cross-country outing came at the Sirikwa Classic &ndash; a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold event &ndash; which she won in February.
Maurine Chebor won the national trials in October. She also finished second at the Kenyan Cross Country Championships in February and claimed the Kenyan police cross-country title last year. The 21-year-old has shown a strong return to form following some injury struggles in 2024 and should be among the leading contenders when she makes her international championship debut.
Ngetich and Chebor will be joined on the Kenyan team by national trials runner-up Brenda Jepchumba Kenei, Joyline Chepkemoi, Rebecca Mwangi and Caren Chebet as they look to claim the senior women&rsquo;s team title for the third consecutive edition and the eighth time in 10 editions.
The senior women&rsquo;s team title has been won by either Kenya or Ethiopia at each World Cross Country Championships since 1995. Senayet Getachew, the world U20 champion in 2023, and Asayech Ayichew, who finished second in the U20 race in 2024, both step up to Ethiopia&rsquo;s senior squad this time.
Ayichew won the Jan Meda International Cross Country, which serves as the Ethiopian Championships, in Addis Ababa in November and the 20-year-old&rsquo;s track season included Diamond League appearances in Xiamen, Rome and Eugene. In Addis Ababa she placed two spots ahead of marathon specialist Shure Demise, who also features on the team for Tallahassee, along with world U20 3000m champion Aleshign Baweke, Alem Tsadik and Lemlem Nibret, who finished fifth and then eighth in the past two world U20 cross-country races.
Uganda has claimed a team medal in four of the past five editions and should be a strong force again. Joy Cheptoyek, who won the national championships in Mbale in November and finished seventh in the world 10,000m final in Tokyo, leads the team alongside Sarah Chelangat, who placed fifth in Belgrade two years ago.
Cheptoyek won the national title by 26 seconds, finishing ahead of Rispa Cherop, Kereen Chemusto and Martha Chemutai. The trio also feature on the team alongside national 10,000m champion Rebecca Chelangat.
Weini Kelati Frezghi decided to extend her cross-country career in an attempt to secure a host nation team place in Tallahassee and it paid off as the 29-year-old won the trial race in Portland in December. It was redemption of sorts following her fourth-place finishes in both the 5000m and 10,000m at the US Championships, which saw her narrowly miss qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo.
&ldquo;I thought that last year was going to be my last cross-country race,&rdquo; said Kelati Frezghi, who finished 14th at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships and 21st at the 2023 edition, &ldquo;but when I heard that the World Cross Country Championships were going to be in the US, I thought &lsquo;why not try to make the team and represent USA and show the world we can be competitive&rsquo;.&rdquo;
The first six athletes in that race in Portland made the host nation team, including runner-up Katie Izzo, who ran as part of the mixed relay team in Belgrade in 2024, and Ednah Kurgat, who was USA&rsquo;s top finisher at the 2023 World Cross in 18th place.
Others to watch at the Apalachee Regional Park include Great Britain&rsquo;s European cross-country silver medallist Megan Keith and Burundi&rsquo;s Francine Niyomukunzi, who regularly competes on the Cross Country Tour and won last year&rsquo;s Gold race in Albufeira. Australia&rsquo;s Lauren Ryan finished ninth, one place ahead of Keith, in the world 10,000m final in Tokyo and the pair will meet again in Tallahassee.
Jess Whittington for World Athletics

46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships

A new champion will be crowned at the Apalachee Regional Park and the race for the title will be fierce

WXC Tallahassee 26 senior women's preview: new champion to be crowned

The World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 may take place just 10 days into 2026, but the anticipated clash in the senior men&rsquo;s race could stand up as one of the most compelling distance races of the entire year.
At the centre of it all stands Jacob Kiplimo, already one of the defining cross-country runners of his era and now chasing a rare slice of sporting immortality. Victory in Tallahassee would make the Ugandan just the fourth man in history to win three successive world cross-country titles, a feat previously achieved by John Ngugi, Paul Tergat and Kenenisa Bekele.
Since winning his second world cross-country title in 2024, Kiplimo has raced sparingly on the track and instead has focused more on the roads. Last year he placed second at the London Marathon in 2:03:37 on his debut at the distance, then went on to win the Chicago Marathon in a national record of 2:02:23, making him the seventh fastest man in history.
He hasn&rsquo;t raced since then and will arrive in Tallahassee with fresh legs and the motivation to make history.
Berihu Aregawi has followed Kiplimo home for silver at both the 2023 and 2024 editions of the World Cross Country Championships, but the margins tell their own story. Nine seconds separated the pair in 2023; that gap shrank to just three seconds in 2024. It is a narrowing that hints at a rivalry reaching boiling point and at the tantalising possibility that the balance could yet tip.
The Ethiopian arrives in Tallahassee with unfinished business and the knowledge that, on his day, he has the strength and speed to finally deny Kiplimo a hat-trick. Having already won four global silver medals &ndash; two at cross country, one outdoors (10,000m at the 2024 Olympics) and one indoors (3000m at the 2025 World Indoor Championships) &ndash; the 24-year-old is long overdue a first global gold.
Ethiopia&rsquo;s depth ensures that Aregawi will not be carrying the nation&rsquo;s hopes alone. Bereket Nega emerged victorious at the Jan Meda Cross Country, which doubled as the Ethiopian trials, stamping his authority in a race that also saw Aregawi, Tadese Worku and Hagos Eyob finish close behind. That quartet gives Ethiopia a formidable blend of endurance, tactical nous and championship experience, keeping them firmly in the frame for the team title.
But Kenya &ndash; winner of the team title for the past two editions &ndash; brings a squad built for relentless pressure. World half marathon silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo leads the charge after a convincing victory at the Kenyan trials, supported by Kevin Chesang, Denis Kemboi and Shadrack Koech. With the Florida course expected to reward strength as much as speed, Kenya&rsquo;s ability to apply sustained pressure over the closing laps could be crucial.
Uganda has made the team podium at the past four editions, but this year they&rsquo;ll be without 2019 world cross-country champion Joshua Cheptegei. Dan Kibet, who finished 11th in 2024, should bolster Uganda&rsquo;s chances alongside Kiplimo.
Beyond the traditional powerhouses, the contenders list reads like a roll call of modern distance running. World 10,000m champion Jimmy Gressier suffered a narrow defeat at last month&rsquo;s European Cross Country Championships, where Spain&rsquo;s Thierry Ndikumwenayo went on to take gold. They will both be in Tallahassee, ready not only to renew their continental rivalry but also to challenge for individual honours. Gressier is joined on the French team by 2023 European cross-country champion Yann Schrub.
Canada&rsquo;s 2021 Olympic 5000m silver medallist Moh Ahmed makes his first appearance at the World Cross since 2013. World and Olympic finalist Adriaan Wildschutt, who holds the South African records from 3000m up to the half marathon, makes his World Cross debut. Australia&rsquo;s Ky Robinson, who finished fourth over 5000m at last year&rsquo;s World Championships, could also be one to watch.
Other contenders include Tanzania&rsquo;s Gabriel Geay, runner-up at the 2023 Boston Marathon and 2022 Valencia Marathon, and Burundi&rsquo;s Celestin Ndikumana, a regular on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour.
The US team is led by Parker Wolfe, the national champion, alongside Rocky Hansen, Wesley Kiptoo and outdoor US 5000m record-holder Nico Young. The home soil advantage could inspire them to a prominent team finish.
As ever in cross country, conditions, tactics and the willingness to suffer will shape the outcome. Yet all roads appear to lead back to Kiplimo and Aregawi, two athletes separated by seconds, history and an ever-tightening rivalry.
Jon Mulkeen for World Athletics

The anticipated clash in the senior men’s race could stand up as one of the most compelling distance races of the entire year

WXC Tallahassee 26 senior men’s preview: History beckons as Kiplimo and Aregawi renew rivalry

Entry lists for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 (WXC Tallahassee 26) confirm that 485 athletes from 52 federations are entered for the global event in Florida, USA, on Saturday 10 January.
The entry lists can be downloaded here: <a href="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/document/695d0a5c7a5dad25a940fb69.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entries by event</a> <a href="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/document/695d0a2e7a5dad25a940fb68.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entries by event and federation</a>
A total of 246 athletes (101 women, 145 men) are entered for the individual senior races, while 163 athletes (76 women, 87 men) are listed for the U20 races. In the mixed relay, 15 teams have been entered.
Kenya topped the medal table ahead of Ethiopia and Uganda at the last edition of the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade in 2024 with a total of 11 medals, six of them gold.
Uganda&rsquo;s Jacob Kiplimo defends his title in the senior men&rsquo;s race. The 25-year-old won the U20 title on home soil in Kampala in 2017 before claiming senior titles in Bathurst in 2023 and Belgrade in 2024.
He will go for a senior hat-trick in Tallahassee, where he will be joined on the Ugandan team by Dan Kibet, who formed part of the nation&rsquo;s silver medal-winning team at the last edition.
Berihu Aregawi secured individual silver behind Kiplimo in both Bathurst and Belgrade, and the pair are set to renew their rivalry as the Olympic 10,000m silver medallist is listed on the Ethiopian team along with Biniam Mehary and Tadese Worku.
The entry list also includes world 10,000m champion Jimmy Gressier of France, Spain&rsquo;s European cross-country champion Thierry Ndikumwenayo and Kenya&rsquo;s world half marathon silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo.
World 10km record-holder Agnes Ngetich returns to World Cross Country Championships action three years on from claiming bronze in Bathurst. She features on Kenya&rsquo;s senior women&rsquo;s team along with national trials winner Maurine Chebor.
Their challengers include Uganda&rsquo;s Sarah Chelangat, who finished fifth &ndash; one place behind Ngetich &ndash; in Belgrade two years ago, and Joy Cheptoyek, who finished seventh in the world 10,000m final in Tokyo. Senayet Getachew, who won the U20 title in 2023, features on Ethiopia&rsquo;s team.
Weini Kelati Frezghi won at the US Cross Country Championships in Portland to secure her spot on the host nation team and she has been confirmed for Tallahassee, along with runner-up Katie Izzo.
Ethiopia&rsquo;s 17-year-old Marta Alemayo will defend her title in the U20 race.
Kenya will defend the mixed relay title and the nation&rsquo;s squad includes world 1500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot, Purity Chepkirui and Kyumbe Munguti, who all formed part of the gold medal-winning team in Belgrade two years ago.
The final start lists will be available on the eve of the competition.
World Athletics
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- <a href="https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-cross-country-championships/tallahassee26/key-info" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Key info for WXC Tallahassee 26</a>

Entry lists for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 include 490 athletes from 53 federations

Entry lists for World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 published

Ahead of the forthcoming retirement of the director of the Heritage Department at the end of March 2026, World Athletics is seeking to appoint someone with a deep knowledge of the history of our sport to head up the department and guide its further growth and development.
The full-time position, which is based at World Athletics' offices in Monaco, would ideally suit someone from the world athletics family who possesses strong communications skills and has experience of sports heritage, history, archiving and collecting. Written and spoken English required with French language an asset.
Job description: <a href="https://worldathletics.org/download/download?filename=0313586b-3a17-47c2-94b4-61ca190c0e2b.pdf&amp;urlSlug=head-of-wa-heritage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">English</a> | <a href="https://worldathletics.org/download/download?filename=6b4a809c-c820-44e4-872e-40422ad47ae6.pdf&amp;urlSlug=responsable-du-patrimoine-de-wa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">French</a>
To apply, candidates should send the following in English to <a href="mailto:jobs@worldathletics.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jobs@worldathletics.org</a> before 31 January 2026.
<ul>
<li>Letter of application highlighting your interest in the post and your relevant experience</li>
<li>Up-to-date curriculum vitae</li>
<li>Details of current remuneration</li>
<li>Names and contact details for three referees (referees will not be contacted until final interview stage)</li>
</ul>

World Athletics is seeking to appoint someone with a deep knowledge of the history of the sport

Job vacancy: Head of World Athletics Heritage

Two-time defending champion Jacob Kiplimo will lead Uganda&rsquo;s team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 on 10 January.
Kiplimo won the U20 title on home soil in Kampala in 2017 before claiming senior titles in Bathurst in 2023 and Belgrade in 2024.
He will go for a senior hat-trick in Tallahassee, where he will be joined on the men&rsquo;s team by Dolphine Chelimo, Dan Kibet, Emmanuel Kibet, Keneth Kiprop and Deogracius Musobo.
The women&rsquo;s team includes Sarah Chelangat, who finished fifth in Belgrade two years ago, and Joy Cheptoyek, who finished seventh in the world 10,000m final in Tokyo.
The U20 women&rsquo;s squad features world U20 5000m bronze medallist Charity Cherop.
<h3>Ugandan team for Tallahassee</h3>
Senior women: Sarah Chelangat, Rebecca Chelangat, Kereen Chemusto, Martha Chemutai, Joy Cheptoyek, Rispa Cherop Senior men: Dolphine Chelimo, Dan Kibet, Emmanuel Kibet, Jacob Kiplimo, Keneth Kiprop, Deogracius Musobo U20 women: &lrm;Peace Chebet, Felister Chekwemoi, Nancy Chepkwurui, Charity Cherop, Bentalin Yeko U20 men: Solomon Andiema, Daniel Kiprotich Chelogoi, Abraham Cherotich, Dan Kipyeko, Jeremiah Kwemoi Mixed relay: &lrm;Brenda Chekwemoi, Sylvia Chelangat, Silas Chemutai, Daniel Comboni

Two-time defending champion Jacob Kiplimo will lead Uganda’s team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 on 10 January

Two-time champion Kiplimo to lead Ugandan team for WXC Tallahassee 26

With seven global competitions taking place this year, there are plenty of things to get excited about in 2026. Here are just 10 of the many things to look forward to in the coming months.
&nbsp;
<h2>World Athletics Ultimate Championship</h2>
The year 2026 introduces a new pinnacle moment on the global calendar. The World Athletics Ultimate Championship will bring the sport&rsquo;s biggest stars together in a high-stakes, head-to-head format that rewards excellence across a full season. With huge prize money and the very best athletes competing at the same time, it represents a bold new chapter in how athletics presents itself to the world.
&nbsp;
<h2>World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26</h2>
The sport&rsquo;s fans needn&rsquo;t wait too long before the first World Athletics Series event of 2026 takes place. In just nine days&rsquo; time, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships will once again unite track stars, road runners and emerging talents on a single, demanding course &ndash; celebrating endurance, resilience and the shared global language of running. Few events capture the sport&rsquo;s roots quite like cross country.
&nbsp;
<h2>More record-breaking action on the horizon</h2>
When boundaries move, athletics follows. Few exemplify this better than World Athletics Athlete of the Year Mondo Duplantis, who continues to redefine what is possible in the pole vault. As records fall with increasing regularity, 2026 invites a tantalising question: just how high can the bar go? Don&rsquo;t be surprised to see world records tumble in other disciplines throughout the season too.
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/692d9b6e293949b21e87e588.jpg" alt="Mondo Duplantis in Diamond League action" />
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Mondo Duplantis in Diamond League action (&copy; Marta Gorczynska / Diamond League AG)
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</div>
&nbsp;
<h2>World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26</h2>
For the third year in a row, the World Indoor Championships will showcase speed, power and technical brilliance in its purest form. From explosive sprints to tactical middle-distance races and dramatic field events, the Arena Torun in the Kujawy Pomorze region of Poland promised to deliver world-class performances and unforgettable moments.
&nbsp;
<h2>World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26</h2>
Botswana will host this year&rsquo;s edition of the World Athletics Relays off the back of their triumph in the men&rsquo;s 4x400m at last year&rsquo;s World Championships. Expect all the national pride, raw emotion and edge-of-the-seat drama that previous editions have witnessed.
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/68cfe23b8a4f660180374fdc.JPG" alt="Botswana's Collen Kebinatshipi pips USA and South Africa to the world 4x400m title in Tokyo" />
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Botswana's Collen Kebinatshipi pips USA and South Africa to the world 4x400m title in Tokyo (&copy; World Athletics <img style="width: 16px; vertical-align: middle; display: inline;" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,CiAgICA8c3ZnIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyIgd2lkdGg9IjE2IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjE2IiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNDgwIDM2MCI+CiAgICAgIDxnIHRyYW5zZm9ybT0idHJhbnNsYXRlKDAsMzYwKSBzY2FsZSgwLjEsLTAuMSkiIGZpbGw9IiNCMkIyQjIiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xOTA1IDMxODIgYy0xMjYgLTQ0IC0xODcgLTEwMCAtMjUzIC0yMzMgbC00NyAtOTQgLTM1MCAtNSBjLTMyNiAtNQogICAgICAgIC0zNTQgLTYgLTQwMSAtMjYgLTE0NyAtNjAgLTI0NiAtMTgwIC0yNzQgLTMzMSAtMTQgLTc2IC0xNCAtMTY1OSAwIC0xNzM0IDMxCiAgICAgICAgLTE2NyAxNzMgLTMxMyAzMzggLTM0OCAzNyAtOCA0NzYgLTExIDE0OTAgLTExIDE1NDMgMCAxNDgwIC0yIDE1ODggNTAgMTA0IDUxCiAgICAgICAgMjAwIDE4MSAyMjQgMzA1IDggNDMgMTAgMzAwIDggOTEwIGwtMyA4NTAgLTIzIDU2IGMtNDcgMTEyIC0xNDEgMjA2IC0yNTIgMjUyCiAgICAgICAgLTUyIDIxIC03MiAyMiAtNDA1IDI3IGwtMzUwIDUgLTQ2IDk1IGMtNTQgMTEyIC0xMDYgMTY2IC0yMDcgMjEzIGwtNjcgMzIKICAgICAgICAtNDYwIDIgYy00MTYgMyAtNDY1IDEgLTUxMCAtMTV6IG05NzIgLTIzNyBjMTggLTEzIDUyIC02OCA5MyAtMTUwIDQyIC04MyA3NQogICAgICAgIC0xMzcgOTMgLTE1MCAyNyAtMTkgNDcgLTIwIDQxNSAtMjUgNDM4IC02IDQyNyAtNCA0ODcgLTg5IGwzMCAtNDMgMyAtODM2IGMyCiAgICAgICAgLTYxMCAwIC04NDggLTggLTg3NiAtMTcgLTU2IC01NCAtMTAyIC0xMDQgLTEyNSAtNDIgLTIxIC01MSAtMjEgLTE0ODggLTIxCiAgICAgICAgbC0xNDQ1IDAgLTQ0IDIzIGMtMjkgMTYgLTU0IDQwIC03NCA3MiBsLTMwIDQ4IDAgODUxIGMwIDg0NCAwIDg1MSAyMSA4OTEgMTEKICAgICAgICAyMiA0MCA1NCA2MyA3MCBsNDMgMzAgMzg4IDUgYzM2OSA1IDM5MCA2IDQxNyAyNSAxOCAxMyA1MCA2NCA4OCAxNDEgMzMgNjcgNjcKICAgICAgICAxMjkgNzUgMTM5IDM2IDQzIDUzIDQ1IDUxMiA0MiA0MjIgLTIgNDM4IC0zIDQ2NSAtMjJ6Ii8+CiAgICAgICAgPHBhdGggZD0iTTIzMDAgMjQ1MSBjLTM4MiAtNTQgLTY3MSAtMzYzIC02OTcgLTc0NiAtMjEgLTMxOCAxNjEgLTYyNyA0NTIKICAgICAgICAtNzY2IDEyNiAtNjAgMTg5IC03NCAzNTAgLTc0IDExOSAwIDE1MSA0IDIxNSAyMyAyNzYgODcgNDgwIDI5NiA1NTYgNTcyIDI1CiAgICAgICAgOTAgMjYgMjk5IDEgMzkwIC03OCAyODggLTMwMCA1MDkgLTU4OSA1ODQgLTcxIDE4IC0yMTYgMjcgLTI4OCAxN3ogbTI3MCAtMjQ5CiAgICAgICAgYzE5NyAtNjggMzM0IC0yMTQgMzg1IC00MDcgNzQgLTI4NyAtMTA0IC01OTkgLTM5MCAtNjg0IC0xMDEgLTMwIC0yNjcgLTI3CiAgICAgICAgLTM2MCA3IC0xNzQgNjQgLTMyNyAyNDAgLTM2NCA0MjAgLTYyIDMwNSAxMzUgNjA4IDQzOSA2NzcgODIgMTkgMjE1IDEyIDI5MAogICAgICAgIC0xM3oiLz4KICAgICAgPC9nPgogICAgPC9zdmc+CiAgICA=" alt="photographer icon" /> Diogo Cardoso)
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&nbsp;
<h2>Rivalries that keep delivering</h2>
Great rivalries are the heartbeat of sport, and athletics has no shortage. The distance-running duel between Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet could continue in 2026, perhaps with a joint attack on the long-standing world 3000m record. Newly crowned world 100m champion Oblique Seville will be keen to maintain his edge over Olympic champion Noah Lyles. And it will be fascinating to see how Femke Bol fares at her new distance of 800m, especially if she takes on Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson.
&nbsp;
<h2>World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26</h2>
Road running remains one of the sport&rsquo;s most accessible and fastest-growing frontiers. This year&rsquo;s World Road Running Championships brings elite competition to iconic streets, blending championship intensity with the mass-participation spirit that connects the professional sport to millions of runners worldwide.
&nbsp;
<h2>World Athletics U20 Championships Oregon 26</h2>
Few events offer a clearer glimpse into the future. Hosted once again at Eugene&rsquo;s Hayward Field, the World Athletics U20 Championships provide a proven launch pad for tomorrow&rsquo;s global stars. History shows that today&rsquo;s junior champions are often tomorrow&rsquo;s Olympic and world medallists &ndash; and 2026 will be no different.
&nbsp;
<h2>Caixa World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Brasilia 26</h2>
Precision meets endurance at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships. This will be the first global competition featuring the new standard race walking distances of the half marathon and marathon, which could bring with it a few surprises.
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/6877c8cc2b21bf3871c0d230.jpg" alt="Action at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Antalya" />
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Action at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Antalya (&copy; World Athletics <img style="width: 16px; vertical-align: middle; display: inline;" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,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" alt="photographer icon" /> Sergio Mateo)
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<h2>A global season powered by one-day meetings</h2>
In the absence of a World Championships or Olympic Games, the international one-day circuit takes on added significance in 2026. The Diamond League and Continental Tour Gold series anchor a truly global season, rewarding consistency, encouraging head-to-head racing and allowing storylines to build week by week across continents. Aside from one-day meets, there's also major events such as the European Championships and Commonwealth Games that will provide much excitement and intrigue during a busy season.

With seven global competitions taking place this year, there are plenty of things to get excited about in 2026. Here are just 10 of the many things to look forward to in the coming months.

10 things to look forward to in 2026

Ethiopia&rsquo;s Likina Amebaw moved to joint fifth on the world all-time list and Jose Carlos Pinto won in a Portuguese record at the 5km Cursa dels Nassos, a World Athletics Label event, held in Barcelona on Wednesday (31).
The women&rsquo;s contest was jointly held with the men&rsquo;s race and it witnessed a solo run by Amebaw. Racing in pleasant conditions, Amebaw became a lonesome leader from the start. She covered the opening kilometre in a cautious 2:58, while France&rsquo;s European indoor 1500m champion Agathe Guillemot and Great Britain&rsquo;s world indoor 800m silver medallist Jemma Reekie travelled together a couple of seconds back. Amebaw increased her pace and covered the following kilometres in around 2:50 pace to go through the 3km checkpoint in 8:39, well ahead of Guillemot and Reekie (9:03).
Over the closing kilometres, the Spain-based Ethiopian maintained her brisk speed to finish in 14:23 &ndash; a 10-second improvement on her PB set in Monaco in February, achieving the world&rsquo;s second-quickest performance of 2025 and a time that elevates her to equal fifth on the all-time list.
&ldquo;I was boxed over the first kilometre and I couldn&rsquo;t run faster than 2:58. I think that prevented me from breaking the Ethiopian record of 14:19,&rdquo; explained Amebaw.
The men&rsquo;s contest had been billed as an assault on Jimmy Gressier&rsquo;s European record of 12:57 by Spain&rsquo;s European cross country champion Thierry Ndikumwenayo. Paced by his training partner Ciro Martin, the 28-year-old European 10,000m bronze medallist reached the opening kilometres in 2:36 (1km) and 5:12 (2km), on schedule to make a serious attempt on the record. By then, only Pinto and Norway&rsquo;s Magnus Tuv Myhre could keep up with the Spaniard. It was when the clock read 6:50 that Pinto, a 3:31.94 1500m specialist, left Ndikumwenayo and Myhre behind before reaching 3km in 7:49 to the 7:53 by his rivals.
Over the closing kilometres, the 28-year-old Portuguese athlete maintained his swift rhythm to finally cross the finish line in a huge lifetime best and national record of 13:10, while Myhre was runner-up in a career best of 13:13. The pre-race favourite Ndikumwenayo had to settle for third in 13:33.
&ldquo;I knew I was in great shape, so I&rsquo;m not surprised by my win,&rdquo; said Pinto. &ldquo;I had visited Barcelona several times to compete on the track but today I have discovered the city has a perfect and quick circuit for 5km races. I&rsquo;ll next compete at the Valencia 10km on 11 January where I would like to smash my PB of 27:53 and clock 27:20.&rdquo;&nbsp;
<h3>Leading results</h3>
Women 1&nbsp;Likina Amebaw (ETH)&nbsp;14:23 2&nbsp;Agathe Guillemot (FRA) 15:04 3 Jemma Reekie (GBR) 15:21 4 Alondra Negron (PUR) 15:32 5 Almi Nerurkar (GBR) 15:35
Men 1 Jose Carlos Pinto (POR) 13:10 2&nbsp;Magnus Tuv Myhre (NOR) 13:13 3&nbsp;Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) 13:22 4 Anas Lagtiy Chaoudar (FRA) 13:33 5 Kieran Lumb (CAN) 13:36
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/calendar-results/7236389/result" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Results</a> 
<h2>Kamworor and Garcia reign in Madrid</h2>
Kenya&rsquo;s Geoffrey Kamworor and Spain&rsquo;s Marta Garcia captured victory at the San Silvestre Vallecana, a World Athletics Elite Label event, held in Madrid on Wednesday (31).
The men&rsquo;s contest saw the early lead of the three-time world half marathon champion Kamworor, closely followed by a trio of Spaniards: Aaron Las Heras, Jesus Ramos and Nassim Haasous. That quartet covered the opening downhill 3km in 8:06 and shortly after the fourth kilometre, first Hassaous and then Las Heras ceded ground while Kamworor and a brave Ramos remained at the helm to record 13:28 by halfway.
Ramos&rsquo;s resistance came to an end some 19 minutes into the race when he simply could not follow the two-time world cross country champion&rsquo;s brisk pace. From then on, the 33-year-old Kamworor extended his lead to finish in 27:42, 15 seconds clear of the 29-year-old Spaniard, while Las Heras completed the podium thanks to a 28:01 performance.
The women&rsquo;s race featured two of the finest European distance runners: Garcia and Diane van Es of the Netherlands. The pair travelled together for much of the race, sandwiched between a large group of male athletes. The world 5000m seventh-place finisher Garcia and the European 10,000m silver medallist Van Es went through halfway in 15:13, while the Spanish 10km record-holder Carla Gallardo and Finland&rsquo;s Nathalie Blomqvist ran seven seconds in arrears.&nbsp;
The fierce fight between Garcia and Van Es continued over the second half, the Spaniard always leading the way and the Dutch athlete one step back. The key move came some 800m from home when Garcia managed to open a shy advantage over Van Es. By the time they entered the Rayo Vallecano stadium pitch, the defending champion Garcia had already decided the contest in her favour, clocking 31:12 to Van Es&rsquo;s 31:19, while Gallardo secured third place in 30:26, clearly ahead of Blomqvist (31:57).
Emeterio Valiente for World Athletics
<h3>Leading results</h3>
Women 1&nbsp;Marta Garcia (ESP) 31:12 2&nbsp;Diane van Es (NED) 31:19 3&nbsp;Carla Gallardo (ESP) 31:26 4&nbsp;Nathalie Blomqvist (FIN) 31:57 5 Fatima Azzahraa Ouhaddou Nafie (ESP) 32:01
Men 1&nbsp;Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) 27:42 2 Jesus Ramos (ESP) 27:57 3 Aaron Las Heras (ESP) 28:01 4 Urgessa Negassa (ETH) 28:16 5 Carlos Mayo (ESP) 28:20
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/calendar-results/7221898/result" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Results</a> 
<h2>Kejelcha sets record, Battocletti does hat-trick in Bolzano</h2>
Yomif Kejelcha ran a course record of 27:42, while Nadia Battocletti secured her third successive victory at the BOclassic Alto Adige, a World Athletics Label road race, in Bolzano, Italy, on Wednesday (31).
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/69555c4a500f3355a770b056.jpeg" alt="Yomif Kejelcha wins the BOclassic 10km" />
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Yomif Kejelcha wins the BOclassic 10km (&copy; Mosna)
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Ethiopia&rsquo;s two-time world 10,000m silver medallist Kejelcha took 17 seconds off the 10km course record set by his compatriot Telahun Haile Bekele last year, while Italy&rsquo;s world 5000m and 10,000m medallist Battocletti ran 15:51 to complete a 5km hat-trick in Bolzano.
Kejelcha ran the first five 1250m laps in a group that also included Bekele, crowd favourite Yeman Crippa of Italy, Maxime Chaumeton of South Africa, Kenya&rsquo;s Charles Rotich and Belgium&rsquo;s John Heymans.
Kejelcha, the world half marathon record-holder, picked up the pace on the sixth lap. By the time he passed the start and finish area for the seventh time, Bekele had caught up. But on the final lap, Kejelcha pulled away again and clinched victory in 27:42. Bekele was runner-up this time in 27:47, while Crippa was third in 27:57, also finishing inside the previous record. Chaumeton finished fourth and Heymans finished fifth.
All eyes were on Battocletti in the women&rsquo;s 5km and she took it relatively easy on the first two laps, running as part of a large group. She broke away in the second half of the race and eventually won in 15:51.
The battle for the runner-up spot was won by her compatriot Federica Del Buono as last year's fourth-place finisher this time clocked 16:04 minutes to take second place. The podium was completed by Ethiopia&rsquo;s Ksanet Alem, who lost out to Del Buono in the final sprint. Great Britain&rsquo;s Cari Hughes finished fourth, while Italy&rsquo;s Valentina Gemetto finished fifth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Organisers for World Athletics
<h3>Leading results</h3>
Women (5km) 1 Nadia Battocletti (ITA) 15:51 2 ⁠Federica Del Buono (ITA) 16:04 3 ⁠Ksanet Alem (ETH) 16:05 4 ⁠Cari Hughes (GBR) 16:06 5 Valentina Gemetto (ITA) 16:08&nbsp;
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/calendar-results/7222041/result" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Full results</a>
Men (10km) 1 ⁠Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) 27:42 2⁠ ⁠Telahun Haile Bekele (ETH) 27:47 3 ⁠Yeman Crippa (ITA) 27:57 4 ⁠Maxime Chaumeton (RSA) 27:59 5⁠ ⁠John Heymans (BEL) 28:17&nbsp;
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/calendar-results/7222042/result" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Full results</a>

Yomif Kejelcha ran a course record of 27:42, while Nadia Battocletti secured her third successive victory at the BOclassic Alto Adige

Amebaw runs 14:23 to win 5km in Barcelona

Multiple global medallists are on Kenya&rsquo;s team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 on 10 January.
World 10km record-holder Agnes Ngetich, who claimed world cross country bronze in 2023, features on the senior women&rsquo;s team along with national trials winner Maurine Chebor, Brenda Jepchumba Kenei, Rebecca Mwangi,&nbsp;Joyline Chepkemoi and Caren Chebet.
World half marathon silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo, who won the Kenyan trials and finished sixth at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships, leads the men&rsquo;s team.
He will line up alongside Kevin Chesang, Denis Kipkoech Kipkemoi, Shadrack Koech, Weldon Langat and Robert Koech.
World 1500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot and Purity Chepkirui, who formed part of the gold medal-winning mixed relay team in Belgrade two years ago, feature in the squad again this time.
<h3>Kenyan team for Tallahassee</h3>
Senior women: Caren Chebet, Maurine Chebor, Joyline Chepkemoi, Brenda Jepchumba Kenei, Rebecca Mwangi, Agnes Ngetich Senior men: Kevin Chesang, Daniel Ebenyo, Denis Kipkoech Kipkemoi, Robert Koech, Shadrack Koech, Weldon Langat U20 women: &lrm;Mercy Jelimo, Miriam Chemutai Kibet, Cynthia Chepkirui, Caren Chepngeno, Mercy Chepngeno, Lonah Cherono U20 men: Andrew Alamisi, Frankline Kibet, Emmanuel Kiprono, Kelvin Kariankei, Andrew Kiptoo, Edwin Elkana Mixed relay: &lrm;Purity Chepkirui, Reynold Cheruiyot, Judy Kemunto, David Kipkoech, Winfred Mbithe, Daniel Munguti

Multiple global medallists are on Kenya’s team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 on 10 January

Global medallists on Kenyan team for WXC Tallahassee 26

A look back at the key moments of 2025 in the relays

2025 review: relays

Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis has been named the AIPS Best Male Athlete for the second year running after amassing an unassailable lead in the traditional end-of-year poll, organised by AIPS (International Sports Press Association) and as voted by a record 836 journalists from 121 countries.
Following another exceptional season in which he broke the world record four times, Duplantis was the runaway winner in the Best Male Athlete of the Year category ahead of Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz and French footballer Ousmane Dembele.
The AIPS Best Female Athlete of the Year award went to Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmati. Five track and field athletes featured in the top 10 in the women&rsquo;s voting: Beatrice Chebet (2nd), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (4th), Femke Bol (5th), Faith Kipyegon (8th) and Valarie Allman (10th).
Duplantis, who was recently named the World Athletics Athlete of the Year award for the third time, became the first male pole vaulter in modern history to go undefeated both indoors and outdoors for two successive years.
He set four world records this year: 6.27m in Clermont-Ferrand, 6.28m in Stockholm, 6.29m in Budapest and 6.30m to clinch his third consecutive world title in Tokyo. Duplantis has now broken the men's pole vault world record 14 times since February 2020.
Duplantis, who earlier this month won the BBC &lsquo;World Sport Star&rsquo; award for the second year in a row, also earned his third successive world indoor pole vault title in Nanjing and fifth successive Diamond League title in Zurich.

Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis has been named the AIPS Best Male Athlete for the second year running

Duplantis wins AIPS Best Male Athlete of 2025

A look back at the key moments of 2025 in the race walks

2025 review: race walks

As the year draws to a close, we look back at the key moments of 2025 in each area of the sport.
The series continues with a review of cross country. It will be followed over the coming days by reviews of all the other remaining event groups.
&nbsp;
<h2>Men&rsquo;s cross country</h2>
<h3>World Athletics rankings</h3>
<table style="border: 1px solid #999; width: 50%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee; padding-left: 5px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">1240</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd; padding-left: 5px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd;">Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang (KEN)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd;">1240</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee; padding-left: 5px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto (KEN)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">1240</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd; padding-left: 5px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd;">Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd;">1233</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee; padding-left: 5px;">5</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">Nassim Hassaous (ESP)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">1220</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/world-rankings/cross-country/men" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Full rankings</a>
<h3> Season snapshot</h3>
<ul>
<li>The king of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour, Burundi&rsquo;s Rodrigue Kwizera, clinched his third title after winning the 2024-25 tour. The 26-year-old won five races in the series &ndash; in Amorebieta, Atapuerca, Soria, Alcobendas and Albufeira. Kenyan Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto finished second after winning at the Cinque Mulini and in Carhaix, while Spain&rsquo;s Thierry Ndikumwenayo finished third.</li>
<li>For the 2025-2026 series, 10 of the 15 Gold races have already been completed and Kenya&rsquo;s Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang sits at the top of the standings. He has won the Cardiff Cross Challenge, the Campo a Traves Internacional de Soria and the Cross Internacional de Atapuerca.</li>
<li>Second in the standings is the reigning champion, Kwizera. He claimed victories at the Cross Internacional de Italica and the Alcobendas-Comunidad de Madrid, and finished runner-up in Soria and Atapuerca.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Kipruto is placed third. The 20-year-old won the Chepsaita Cross Country Tour, finished runner-up at the Cinque Mulini and placed third at the Campo a Traves Internacional de Soria. Other Gold meeting winners include Burundi&rsquo;s Emile Hafashimana, Ethiopia&rsquo;s Milkesa Fikadu, Kenya&rsquo;s Brian Kiptoo and Saymon Amanuel, who was the first Eritrean since Zersenay Tadese in 2008 to win the Cinque Mulini.</li>
<li>Kwizera, Kipsang and Kipruto currently top the world rankings ahead of the Spanish duo of Thierry Ndikumwenayo and Nassim Hassaous.</li>
<li>Ndikumwenayo won at the European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa, an upgrade from the bronze medal he claimed 12 months ago in Antalya. 
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/695295bfc035b6a5f3d53fb0.jpg" alt="Thierry Ndikumwenayo at the European Cross Country Championships" />
<div>
Thierry Ndikumwenayo at the European Cross Country Championships (&copy; Getty Images)
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</div>
</li>
<li>Five legs remain of the Cross Country Tour Gold but before it resumes in January, the world will assemble in Tallahassee, Florida, for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships on 10 January. After that, the tour will head to Elgoibar in Spain, San Giorgio su Legnano in Italy, Hannut in Belgium, Albufeira in Portugal and Eldoret in Kenya.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>Women&rsquo;s cross country</h2>
<h3>World Athletics rankings</h3>
<table style="border: 1px solid #999; width: 50%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee; padding-left: 5px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">Nadia Battocletti (ITA)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">1240</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd; padding-left: 5px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd;">Yenenesh Shimket (ETH)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd;">1240</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee; padding-left: 5px;">3</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">Francine Niyomukunzi (BDI)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">1233</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd; padding-left: 5px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd;">Likina Amebaw (ETH)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd;">1226</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee; padding-left: 5px;">5</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">Daisy Jepkemei (KAZ)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #eee;">1226</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 15%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd; padding-left: 5px;">5</td>
<td style="width: 65%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd;">Sheila Jebet (KEN)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; height: 22px; background-color: #ddd;">1226</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/world-rankings/cross-country/women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Full rankings</a>
<h3> Season snapshot</h3>
<ul>
<li>Versatile Italian runner Nadia Battocletti topped the standings at the end of the 2024-25 World Athletics Cross Country Tour to claim the overall win. After finishing third at the Cinque Mulini, winning in Alcobendas and bagging gold at the European Cross Country Championships in Antalya in 2024, Battocletti started 2025 by emerging victorious on home soil at the Campaccio. Burundi&rsquo;s Francine Niyomukunzi, winner in Amorebieta and Albufeira, finished second in the series, while Kenya&rsquo;s Sheila Jebet placed third.</li>
<li>Battocletti, the world 10,000m silver and 5000m bronze medallist, is currently at the helm of the 2025-26 season standings following her triumphant performance at the Cross Internacional de Atapuerca on her fourth attempt. A week later, the Italian was runner-up at the Alcobendas-Comunidad de Madrid and on 14 December she retained her European title in Lagoa. 
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/69234e6d3b27259dd8015555.jpg" alt="Nadia Battocletti celebrates victory at the Cross Internacional de Atapuerca" />
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Nadia Battocletti celebrates victory at the Cross Internacional de Atapuerca (&copy; Ricardo Ord&oacute;&ntilde;ez)
</div>
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</li>
<li>The Italian also sits joint top of the world rankings alongside Ethiopia&rsquo;s Yenenesh Shimket, the 18-year-old who won at the Cinque Mulini and in Alcobendas.</li>
<li>Behind Battocletti in the tour standings is Ethiopia&rsquo;s Likina Amebaw, who won the season opener in Amorebieta-Etxano, placed third at the Cross Internacional de Italica and won the Campo a Traves Internacional de Soria. Jebet is currently third after she placed second in Cardiff, Soria and Atapuerca, and third in Alcobendas.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Other winners on the current tour include Bahrain&rsquo;s Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Winfred Yavi, Kenyans Cynthia Chepkirui and Dorcus Chepkwemoi, and Shimket and her fellow Ethiopian Tirhas Gebrehiwet.</li>
</ul>
Michelle Katami for World Athletics

A look back at the key moments of 2025 in cross country

President Coe commits World Athletics support to Jamaica

WXC Tallahassee 26 mixed relay preview: Kenya aim to extend dominance

Former Asian Athletics Association President Kalmadi dies

WXC Tallahassee 26 U20 women's preview: Ethiopia's focus shifts to individual glory

WXC Tallahassee 26 U20 men's preview: rising stars ready to break through