by Jeff Benjamin
“I think it’s probably safe to say we are in the cross country capital of the United States, if not the world.”
With these words came a bombastic response from the world of social media, as many (some publicly and others anonymously) proceeded to reap criticisms on Coe’s comments, wondering if his statements would prove to be that of a desperate cheerleader.
As we approached one mile from the park entrance the questions were answered.
Now that’s a water hazard! Just flying ! The fans’ view, on the course, video of the World Cross Country, January 10, 2026, a crowd of 8,000 fans announced. The view of superfan Tony Gulotta! , video 4, #crosscountryrunning , #TonyGulotta, #Ethiopia, #Kenya, #runblogrun pic.twitter.com/bydXLmsYo2
— RunBlogRun (@RunBlogRun) January 11, 2026
YES TALLAHASSE CAN HOST IT AND YES THEY CAME!
The mile-long traffic buildup to get into the park was the prophetic message of great things to come as close to 10,000 spectators jammed around the challenging and uniquely designed obstacles of the course to electrically cheer on and watch the world’s greatest distance runners from around 60 countries vie for the individual and team titles at this edition of the World XC Championships.
As for the doomsayers?
Respectfully the Tallahassee committee led by Amanda Heidecker, Taylor Wheaton and the Leon County leaders and staff aside from Coe all “Talked The Talk”! Their efficient leadership, inclusion of key personnel and agencies showed that “Doers” and not “Talkers” were the foundation behind launching this event. Once again, respectfully, if people wish events like these could go to another American city by all means set up a committee, generate funding and surround oneself with “Doers”! Tallahasse covered all the bases on this and can rightly keep that title of, quoting Coe again, “the cross country capital of the United States, if not the world.”
One issue is the status of the event going forward. As the legendary XC Two- Time World Craig Virgin pointed out the next Worlds XC is scheduled for 2029.
“I think if we wait three years, we’ll lose all the momentum that we gained from having the meet this year,” said Virgin.
“I’m counter proposing that since Tallahassee has done all this work that the world championships in cross country for next year again should be held here!”
“It gives them a second year to practice on this, and i think it will benefit the Sport and World Athletics if they have another world championships back here!“
A great idea in this writer’s humble opinion, as Tallahassee would have to rise to the challenge to keep their reputation as the “Capitol of World XC!”
They certainly earned it this year!
