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    The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show

    The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show

    About

    Track and field's biggest names on the track, in the coaching ranks and within the industry sit down and open up in-depth to share brilliant insights and vivid snapshots from their professional/personal accomplishments and experiences in the sport. Hosted by CITIUS MAG founder Chris Chavez. The show was named one of "The Best Running Podcasts" by Runner's World. ▶ Visit https://CITIUSMAG.com ▶ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag ▶ Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag

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    CITIUS MAG

    World Cross Country Championships LIVE Preview: Top Contenders, Key Athletes To Watch & Team USA's Medal Chances

    World Cross Country Championships LIVE Preview: Top Contenders, Key Athletes To Watch & Team USA's Medal Chances

    January 9, 2026
    36m

    Athletes Mentioned

    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.

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    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)

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    More from The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show

    This Week In Track & Field: Analyzing Cole Hocker’s 3:45 Mile American Record, Keely Hodgkinson’s 1:56 Opener, Elle St. Pierre’s 4:17 Mile, Weini Kelati’s 66:04 American Record + More

    This Week In Track & Field: Analyzing Cole Hocker’s 3:45 Mile American Record, Keely Hodgkinson’s 1:56 Opener, Elle St. Pierre’s 4:17 Mile, Weini Kelati’s 66:04 American Record + More
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    February 6, 2026

    Athletes Mentioned

    Me
    Megan Keith
    Ag
    Agathe Guillemot
    As
    Asayech Ayichew