The 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade will feature a total of 485 athletes from 51 teams competing in the global event on March 30th. The entry lists have been confirmed, and athletes will be participating in individual senior races and U20 races, as well as a mixed relay event.
Kenya, who topped the medal table at the last championships in Bathurst, Australia, will be defending their titles with athletes like Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Ngetich, and Emmaculate Anyango. However, Sifan Hassan, a multiple Olympic and world gold medallist, has withdrawn from the competition.
The past two senior men’s champions, Jacob Kiplimo and Joshua Cheptegei from Uganda, will be looking to add to their medal count in Belgrade. The competition will be tough with strong contenders like Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi and Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe.
In the U20 races, athletes like Lemlem Nibret and Abel Bekele from Ethiopia will be looking to make their mark. Kenya will defend their title in the mixed relay event with a strong team lineup.
The final start lists will be available the day before the event on March 29th. Additionally, the Facts and Figures document for the championships has been published and is also available for viewing.
