World Athletics Cross Country: Prize Money Details Revealed as Tallahassee Hosts Global Stars

Florida is gearing up to welcome the globe's elite distance runners for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships (WXC) in Tallahassee on January 10, 2026.

The 46th edition of this prestigious event will see over 500 athletes from approximately 65 nations compete in five thrilling races: the senior men's and women's events, the U20 men's and women's races, and the mixed relay.

This marks the third time the championships will be held in the United States, following previous editions in New York (1984) and Boston (1992).

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All the action is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, beginning with the mixed relay at 9:45 AM local time (5:45 pm East African Time) and concluding with the senior men's race at 12:20 PM (8 pm East African Time).

The senior men's and women's races will both cover a 10km distance. The U20 women will compete over 6km, while the U20 men will race over 8km.

In the individual races, teams may enter up to six athletes, with the top four finishers from each nation contributing to the team score.

The team with the lowest combined score wins. If a team does not have four finishers, its runners will still be eligible for individual awards in the senior events.

The mixed relay features teams of two men and two women, running in a man-woman-man-woman sequence. Each runner must pass a wristband to their teammate within a designated takeover zone.

Inspired by Florida's unique landscape, the course at Apalachee Regional Park is designed to test even the most seasoned athletes. It will feature a challenging mix of sand, water, and mud, along with a signature "rollercoaster" section.

The layout consists of two loops with rolling hills, wide grass straights, and distinctive red clay paths winding through pine forests. Runners in the 10km races will navigate four distinct challenge areas five times each.

A significant prize purse is on offer for the senior and mixed relay events.

Senior Individual Races

Gold: US$30,000

Silver: US$15,000

Bronze: US$10,000

4th Place: US$7,000

5th Place: US$5,000

6th Place: US$3,000

Team

Gold: US$20,000

Silver: US$16,000

Bronze: US$12,000

4th Place: US$10,000

5th Place: US$8,000

6th Place: US$4,000

Mixed Relay (per team)

Gold: US$12,000

Silver: US$8,000

Bronze: US$6,000 4th

Place: US$4,000

Beyond the elite competition, a full fan experience is planned. Affordable spectator tickets will provide access to multiple viewing points, large screens with live coverage, and a family-friendly fan zone complete with food trucks, music, and interactive activities.

Following the main events, the public can participate in the "World's Fun Run: Florida Edition," with options to run or walk a 2km or 4km course.

The WXC Tallahassee 26 will be live-streamed in many territories on the World Athletics website and through various global broadcast partners. Check the official event website closer to the date for detailed TV and streaming information.

For real-time updates, fans can use the World Athletics live results platform. By signing up for a free account, users can access enhanced data, including live leaderboards, detailed splits, and comprehensive race results.