Adriaan Wildschutt records South Africa’s best-ever men’s placing while strong efforts across the senior races and relays show a confident Team SA against top international competition in Tallahassee.
South Africa (12 January 2026) – With thousands of spectators lining the course in Tallahassee, Team South Africa delivered a proud showing at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, competing fearlessly against the world’s best distance runners.
Leading the charge was Adriaan Wildschutt, who produced a historic run in the senior men’s race to finish 13th, the highest placing ever achieved by a South African athlete in the event. Adriaan crossed the line in 29:32 on a demanding course that tested athletes with sand, mud, water sections and rolling terrain.
This was a race that carried special significance for Adriaan. Having studied at Florida State University, he was familiar with the Tallahassee layout and the conditions, something he believes helped him judge when to push and when to conserve energy.
“Knowing the course made a big difference. Coming back here and racing alongside fellow FSU athletes was a special honour. We’ll share this moment for the rest of our lives.”
Nearly 10,000 spectators packed Apalachee Regional Park, creating an electric atmosphere as fans lined the course and roared athletes on through every turn and hill.
In the senior women’s 10km event, Glenrose Xaba led the South African contingent with a determined performance, finishing 34th in a highly competitive field.
South Africa also featured in the mixed 4x2km relay, where the team finished a solid sixth overall, while the country’s junior athletes gained valuable experience competing in the U20 races.
Against elite international opposition, the squad proved they belong on the world stage. See Team South Africa’s full results here.
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