World Cross Country Championships LIVE Preview: Top Contenders, Key Athletes To Watch & Team USA's Medal Chances
World Cross Country Championships LIVE Preview: Top Contenders, Key Athletes To Watch & Team USA's Medal Chances  
Podcast: The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show
Published On: Fri Jan 09 2026
Description: The World XC Championships return to the U.S. for the first time since 1992, with Saturday’s races in Tallahassee offering a chance to reignite global attention on the best distance runners in the world.How to watch: The races will be broadcast on Peacock (starting at 9:35 a.m.) and will be televised on CNBC (starting at 10 a.m. ET).Schedule (All times ET):9:45 a.m. – Mixed 4x2K Relay10:20 a.m. – Women’s U20 6K Race10:55 a.m. – Men’s U20 8K Race11:35 a.m. – Women’s Senior 10K Race12:20 p.m. – Men’s Senior 10K RaceYou can read our full race preview here.____________Mixed Relay Preview:Favorites: Kenya w/ Reynold CheruiyotChallengers:Australia (Jessica Hull, Olli Hoare)France (Agathe Guillemot)USA (Sage Hurta-Klecker, Ethan Strand)Morocco's NCAA starsKenya has won 3 of 4 editions since 2017.Senior Women’s Race:Star Power Dip: No Beatrice Chebet (pregnancy), no Olympic or World medalists from 5000m/10,000m entered.Top Teams:Kenya: Agnes Ngetich leads (14:01/28:46 PBs); Maurine Chebor debutsEthiopia: Loaded with U20 grads like Senayet Getachew, Asayech AyichewUganda: Joy Cheptoyek, Sarah & Rebecca Chelangat returnUSA: Led by Weini Kelati; Schweizer, Kurgat, Izzo in the mixWild cards: Megan Keith, Lauren Ryan Senior Men’s Race:Deepest Field Post-COVID: 145 entrantsTitle contenders:Jacob Kiplimo: Two-time champ, fresh off 2:02:23 marathon winEthiopia: Berihu Aregawi + rising star Biniam MeharyKenya: Daniel Ebenyo returns; Weldon Langat, Robert Koech supportFrance: Jimmy Gressier headlines strong squadTeam USA Outlook:Potential for medal with Graham Blanks, Nico Young, Parker Wolfe, Rocky HansenU.S. last medaled in 2013 (silver)____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSASICS: When you move your body, amazing things happen to your mind. Lace up and feel the good vibrations. Check out all of ASICS’ latest running shoes and gear here.OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.