On April 7, Leon County presented a $10,000 check to Leon County Schools at Montford Middle School, investing Fun Run proceeds from the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in student-athletes across the county.
“Today is about turning a world-class event into real, lasting impact for our students,” said County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “By reinvesting a portion of the World Athletics Fun Run proceeds into our schools, we are strengthening athletic programs and creating more opportunities for young people across Leon County to thrive.”
The 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships drew more than 15,000 people, including nearly 11,000 visitors from outside the county and around the world, and generated more than $6 million in total economic impact for the local economy — exceeding early projections by more than 50 percent when accounting for the full ripple effect of visitor spending…