Tallahassee Welcomes the World — Inside the 2026 World Cross Country Championships cover art

Tallahassee Welcomes the World — Inside the 2026 World Cross Country Championships

Tallahassee Welcomes the World — Inside the 2026 World Cross Country Championships

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

Host Mickey Moore sits down with Amanda Heidecker, Director of Parks and Recreation for Leon County, and Taylor Wheaton, Senior Sports Director for Visit Tallahassee, to talk about how Tallahassee became the proud host of the 2026 World Cross Country Championships—the first global sporting event of its kind ever held in our community.

Amanda and Taylor share the behind-the-scenes story of how a local dream that started more than 15 years ago at Apalachee Regional Park grew into a world-class bid that beat out countries around the globe. They reveal what makes this event so special, from the Florida-themed race course (complete with beaches, mud, and even “Alligator Alley”) to the youth races, community runs, and local legacy projects supporting Leon County schools.

You’ll hear how this once grassroots vision became reality through the dedication of local runners, volunteers and partners—all coming together to showcase Tallahassee’s spirit, hospitality and love for the sport.

Photo: Leon County Government

No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.