In preparation for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships slated for January 10, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida, Athletics Kenya (AK) has officially released its 2025–2026 cross-country calendar, adjusting the season to commence earlier than usual.

The revised schedule is designed to give Kenyan athletes ample time to train, compete, and attain peak form before heading to the global stage. The calendar features a series of strategic competitions, starting in August 2025, to provide athletes with adequate exposure and preparation opportunities.

Revised calendar

2025-2026 AK Cross Country calendar:

1. 9th August 2025 – 1st AK Cross Country Challenge
Venue: Machakos Teachers Training College, Machakos

2. 23rd August 2025 – County Cross Country Championships
Venue: All counties

3. 6th September 2025 – 2nd AK Cross Country Challenge
Venue: Olkalau Arboretum, Olkalou

4.27th September 2025 – Regional and Affiliates Cross Country Championships

5. 25th October 2025 – AK National Cross Country Championships
Venue: Eldoret Sports Club, Eldoret

6. 10th January 2026 – World Athletics Cross Country Championships
Venue: Tallahassee, Florida, USA

At the same time, Athletics Kenya has urged all athletes, coaches, and stakeholders to take note of these critical dates and plan accordingly. These events will serve as key qualifiers and build-up races to ensure that Kenya fields a strong, competitive team for the World Championships.

“To ensure that Kenyans are well prepared for this important event, Athletics Kenya (AK) has adjusted its 2025-2026 cross country calendar. The cross country season will start earlier than usual to give athletes enough time to train, compete and be selected in good form ahead of the World Championships,” AK said in a statement.

At the global competition, Team Kenya will be out to maintain the overall title they clinched at last year’s edition in Belgrade, Serbia, where they scooped 11 medals (six gold, two silver and three bronze). Kenyan athletes are still regarded as favourites in global long-distance races, attracting stiff competition from around the world.

AK further noted that a comprehensive 2025–2026 calendar of events will be released in due course. Earlier in the month, Athletics Kenya (AK) named a strong team of 58 athletes to represent the country at this year’s World Championships in Tokyo.