by Jeff Benjamin
1. Can you pls tell us about your background in the Sport?
(Amanda Heidecker’s Response) My background in running—both personally and professionally—has uniquely prepared me to help lead and shape the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee. As a former Division I Track and Cross Country athlete at Florida State University, running has been a lifelong passion that opened doors to education, laid the foundation for my career, and continues to be a daily source of motivation and fulfillment. My passion for the sport fuels my professional mission: to elevate running, broaden its impact, and deliver unforgettable experiences for athletes and fans alike. I’ve successfully led bids and planning for more than 100 cross country championships at the local, state, regional, and national levels—efforts that have laid the foundation for a landmark event like WXC Tallahassee 2026.
(Taylor’s Response) – As a former NCAA Division I track and field athlete at George Mason University, I understand firsthand the dedication, discipline, and sense of community that sport fosters, as well as how transformative it can be in an athlete’s life. Competing at the collegiate level opened doors, built resilience, and gave me a deep appreciation for how events of this scale impact not only athletes and coaches, but also host cities and communities.
This dual perspective—as both a former athlete and a professional sports leader—allows me to approach event planning with a strong athlete-centered and community-focused mindset. I know what it feels like to train, travel, compete, and represent something larger than yourself, and that lived experience informs every decision I make. My goal is to ensure this event feels seamless, supportive, and memorable for every participant and nation in attendance.
2. How did the idea of a World XC Championships in Tallahassee develop?
The idea of hosting the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee grew organically from the long-term vision and transformation of Apalachee Regional Park (ARP). What began as an ambitious local effort to create a permanent, purpose-built cross country venue evolved—over more than a decade—into a site capable of hosting the world’s best athletes.
ARP itself is a symbol of transformation. Once a county landfill and wooded pasture, the site was reimagined through collaboration between Leon County, Florida State University, the Gulf Winds Track Club, and local running leaders. Early champions such as Amanda Heidecker helped lay the groundwork for a course designed not just for competition, but for sustainability, accessibility, and community use. From the outset, the goal was to move beyond makeshift courses and create a premier, permanent cross country destination.
As the park developed, local running leaders including Florida State University’s Bob Braman and Leon High School’s Brian Corbin played critical roles in shaping the course to meet the highest competitive standards. Their advocacy helped position ARP to host increasingly significant events, including the NCAA Division I National Championships—marking the first time Florida hosted the event in its 83-year history. These successes demonstrated that Tallahassee could deliver world-class competition, logistics, and athlete experience.
Strategic investments by the Leon County Board of County Commissioners further advanced this vision. Improvements such as course widening to NCAA standards, a permanent finish line and awards stage, a multipurpose building, enhanced accessibility, and expanded infrastructure elevated ARP from a strong national venue to one with true international capability. Over time, ARP hosted more than 100 major meets and generated tens of millions of dollars in economic impact, reinforcing its reputation as a global-caliber cross country site.
By the time discussions turned to hosting the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, Tallahassee already had a proven venue, a deeply engaged running community, experienced event organizers, and strong public-sector support. The decision to pursue—and ultimately secure—the Championships was the natural culmination of years of vision, collaboration, and investment.
Hosting the World Championships in 2026 is not a sudden leap, but rather the next chapter in ARP’s evolution—a testament to how a community’s long-term commitment to sport, sustainability, and partnership can lead to a place on the world stage.
3. Can you describe the process as to how Tallahassee made the pitch to World Athletics?
Tallahassee’s pitch to host the World Athletics Cross Country Championships was the result of a multi-year, highly competitive bidding process. The effort first began in 2020, but like many international sporting initiatives, it was temporarily postponed due to the impacts of COVID-19.
The bid process was formally restarted in 2021. At that time, Leon County and the Local Organizing Committee prepared and submitted a comprehensive 100-page bid document to World Athletics. This document detailed every aspect of Tallahassee’s ability to host the Championships, including venue quality at Apalachee Regional Park, event operations, athlete and team services, transportation, accommodations, security, medical services, sustainability, community support, and overall legacy impact.
Following a thorough review, Tallahassee was selected as a finalist and invited to present directly to the World Athletics Council. This presentation provided an opportunity to highlight the unique strengths of Apalachee Regional Park, the region’s proven track record of hosting major cross-country events, and the strong partnerships between local government, athletics organizations, and the running community.
The successful effort to bring the World Athletics Cross Country Championships to Tallahassee was driven by a dedicated group of leaders, professionals, students, and community partners whose collective expertise and commitment made the bid possible and established a lasting legacy for the community.
At the forefront were Co-Chairs Amanda Heidecker, Director of Parks and Recreation for Leon County, and Taylor Wheaton, Director of Sports for Leon County Tourism / Visit Tallahassee. Amanda Heidecker provided critical leadership in venue development, park operations, and long-term vision, ensuring that Apalachee Regional Park met the highest international standards. Taylor Wheaton played a key role in assembling a strong, collaborative team and leading extensive event planning and execution efforts, helping position Tallahassee and Leon County as a capable and attractive host destination on the global stage.
Paul Hardy, Executive Consultant for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, also played a vital role by guiding the planning process with deep expertise in international athletics events. His experience ensured alignment with World Athletics requirements and expectations, helping transform the local team’s vision into a deliverable, world-class event.
Beyond these leaders, Leon County staff across multiple departments were indispensable. Their work in parks, public safety, transportation, logistics, communications, and operations ensured that the bid and event plans were realistic, comprehensive, and executable at an international level.
An important and lasting legacy of this effort was the meaningful involvement of college interns. These students supported planning, operations, communications, and event logistics while gaining hands-on experience with a world-class international sporting event. Their contributions were essential to the overall effort, and their participation helped cultivate the next generation of sports management, event operations, and public-sector professionals, leaving a long-term impact well beyond the Championships themselves.
The effort was further strengthened by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), whose members brought valuable industry knowledge, professional expertise, and strong connections to the running and sports communities. Their leadership helped shape the event vision and ensured alignment among local, national, and international stakeholders.
Finally, the Tallahassee community played a crucial role. From local running organizations to volunteers and residents, the community’s enthusiasm, support, and proven history of hosting major cross country events demonstrated to World Athletics that Tallahassee not only had the infrastructure to host the Championships, but also the passion and commitment to deliver a truly memorable global event.
4. Can you describe to us how challenging the course at Apalachee Regional Park is? Any unique obstacles and/or challenges runners should be aware of?
The course at Apalachee Regional Park is designed to be both physically demanding and uniquely representative of Florida. It will function as a “living reel” of the state, combining traditional cross country elements with creative, immersive challenges that athletes will face on every lap of the race.
Four primary challenge areas are planned throughout the course, each highlighting a different aspect of Florida’s landscape and culture:
- Starting Line – Historic Florida State Capitol
The race begins beneath a replica of the old Florida State Capitol, measuring approximately 100 feet long and 30 feet tall, creating a dramatic and iconic start for athletes and spectators alike. - The Roller Coaster (Florida Theme Parks)
This elevated boardwalk section lifts runners up to 10 feet off the ground, adding both a physical and mental challenge. Spectators will be able to walk above this feature, creating a dynamic and engaging viewing experience. - Sand Pit (Florida Beaches)
Located along the eastern portion of the course, this extended sand section tests leg strength and endurance. Spectators in this area will enjoy a beach-party atmosphere celebrating Florida’s famous beaches. - Water Pit (Florida Coastline)
Positioned along the northern section of the course, this obstacle features knee-high water stretching nearly 30 feet, forcing athletes to maintain form and momentum through resistance. - Alligator Alley (Log Features)
Four parallel pine logs, carved into wildlife-inspired alligator designs, are set along the northern edge of the course. These features require balance, coordination, and confidence, adding a technical element to each lap. - Mud Pit (Florida Forests and Swamps)
Running through a wooded area on the western side of the course, the mud section reflects Florida’s swamp and forest environments, testing traction, strength, and adaptability.
Together, these elements create a course that is challenging, memorable, and unmistakably Floridian. Athletes must be prepared for elevation changes, varied surfaces, and technical features, while spectators experience an immersive environment unlike any other cross country venue in the world.
5. This is the first USA World XC event held here since 1992 (Boston) – the other being 1983 (New Jersey) – How excited are you all about it?
We couldn’t be more excited and honored. Hosting the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in the United States for the first time in more than three decades is an incredible moment—not just for Tallahassee and Leon County, but for the entire country.
There is a tremendous sense of pride in representing the United States, the state of Florida, and the Tallahassee community on the world stage. This event is the result of years of vision, collaboration, and hard work, and it’s deeply meaningful to showcase a venue and community that reflect the very best of what cross country and sportsmanship stand for.
We are excited to welcome the world’s best athletes, coaches, and fans to Apalachee Regional Park and to deliver what we believe will be the best edition of the World Athletics Cross Country Championships to date—one that is memorable, innovative, and truly representative of our beautiful community.
