KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has officially flagged off its national team to the 46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships, set for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida, United States, as the historic event returns to American soil for the first time in 34 years.
The 26-athlete squad was ceremonially sent off at the National Council of Sports headquarters by NCS General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel and Uganda Athletics President Dominic Otucet. The flag-off marked the team’s final preparations ahead of one of the most prestigious events on the World Athletics calendar.
The championships will be held at Apalachee Regional Park, a renowned cross-country venue known for its tough and varied terrain. More than 500 elite runners from about 65 countries are expected to compete in five races: senior men’s and women’s 10-kilometer events, under-20 men’s 8km and women’s 6km races, and the mixed 4x2km relay.
World Athletics has redesigned the Tallahassee course to reflect the sport’s demanding nature. Athletes will face sand, mud, water sections, rolling hills and a signature “rollercoaster” stretch that will test endurance, strength and adaptability.
The last time the World Cross Country Championships were staged in the United States was in 1992 in Boston. Tallahassee was selected as host in 2022, highlighting the city’s growing reputation as a running hub, supported by its strong athletics culture and proximity to Florida State University.
Uganda arrives in Tallahassee with high expectations after winning five medals at the 2024 championships in Belgrade, including individual gold by Jacob Kiplimo. The team completed a month-long residential training camp in Kapchorwa and officials say the athletes are in peak condition and high spirits.
Kiplimo, a two-time defending champion, will headline the senior men’s race as he chases a historic third consecutive world cross country title over 10km. His presence places Uganda among the top contenders alongside traditional powerhouses Kenya and Ethiopia.
Uganda’s senior men’s team includes Kiplimo, Dolphine Chelimo, Dan Kibet, Emmanuel Kibet, Kenneth Kiprop and Deogracious Musobo. The senior women’s team features Sarah Chelangat, Rebecca Chelanagat, Kareen Chemusto, Martha Chemutai, Joy Cheptoyek and Rispa Cherop.
The under-20 men’s squad comprises Solomon Andiema, Daniel Kiprotich Chelogoi, Abraham Cherotich, Dan Kipyeko and Jeremiah Kwemoi, while the under-20 women’s team includes Peace Chebet, Felister Chekwemoi, Nancy Chekwurui, Charity Cherop and Bentalin Yeko.
Uganda will also compete in the mixed relay with Silas Chemutai, Daniel Comboni, Brenda Chekwemoi and Sylvia Chelangat.
The delegation is led by team leader Benjamin Njia and coaches Immaculate Chemutai, Jimmy Adar and Peter Chelangat.
In a major honor for the country, Uganda Athletics General Secretary Beatrice Ayikoru has been appointed by World Athletics as the technical delegate for the championships. The role is the highest technical position at the event and places her in charge of overseeing competition preparations and ensuring adherence to international standards.
Organizers say the Tallahassee championships will also promote sustainability and inclusivity, with initiatives such as shoe recycling stations and a post-elite “World’s Fun Run,” allowing members of the public to run 2km or 4km on the championship course.
Fans around the world will be able to follow the action through live streams on the World Athletics website, with broadcast partners providing coverage in other regions.
As the oldest event in the World Athletics Series, with roots dating back to 1903, the Tallahassee edition is expected to elevate the global profile of cross-country running — and provide another major stage for Uganda to showcase its distance-running strength.
Uganda Athletics called on fans at home and abroad to rally behind the team as it seeks more medals and its first podium finish in the mixed relay event.
