The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show · January 9, 2026 · 36 min
World Cross Country Championships LIVE Preview: Top Contenders, Key Athletes To Watch & Team USA's Medal Chances
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 Relay 10:20 a.m. – Women’s U20 6K Race 10:55 a.m. – Men’s U20 8K Race 11:35 a.m. – Women’s Senior 10K Race 12:20 p.m. – Men’s Senior 10K Race You can read our full race preview here. ____________ Mixed Relay Preview: Favorites: Kenya w/ Reynold Cheruiyot Challengers: Australia (Jessica Hull, Olli Hoare) France (Agathe Guillemot) USA (Sage Hurta-Klecker, Ethan Strand) Morocco's NCAA stars Kenya 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 debuts Ethiopia: Loaded with U20 grads like Senayet Getachew, Asayech Ayichew Uganda: Joy Cheptoyek, Sarah & Rebecca Chelangat return USA: Led by Weini Kelati; Schweizer, Kurgat, Izzo in the mix Wild cards: Megan Keith, Lauren Ryan Senior Men’s Race: Deepest Field Post-COVID: 145 entrants Title contenders: Jacob Kiplimo: Two-time champ, fresh off 2:02:23 marathon win Ethiopia: Berihu Aregawi + rising star Biniam Mehary Kenya: Daniel Ebenyo returns; Weldon Langat, Robert Koech support France: Jimmy Gressier headlines strong squad Team USA Outlook: Potential for medal with Graham Blanks, Nico Young, Parker Wolfe, Rocky Hansen U.S. last medaled in 2013 (silver) ____________ SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS ASICS: 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.