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…