Tallahassee Welcomes the World — Inside the 2026 World Cross Country Championships
Release Date: 10/22/2025
Oh, The Places (and Trails) You’ll Go!
We Run This Town
Host Mickey Moore welcomes trail enthusiasts Tom Parker and Doug Bell for an engaging conversation about the many paths—literal and figurative—that runners and riders take across the Big Bend area. From rugged roots to smooth clay, this episode dives deep into Tallahassee’s beloved trails, including Redbug, Munson, Phipps and Bradley’s, revealing what makes each one special. Tom, an ultra-runner and healthcare advocate, and Doug, a lawyer-lobbyist turned mountain biker and president of the Tallahassee Mountain Bike Association, share how they each discovered their passion for trails...
info_outline
Tallahassee Welcomes the World — Inside the 2026 World Cross Country Championships
We Run This Town
Host Mickey Moore sits down with Amanda Heidecker, Director of Parks and Recreation for Leon County, and Taylor Wheaton, Senior Sports Director for Visit Tallahassee, to talk about how Tallahassee became the proud host of the 2026 World Cross Country Championships—the first global sporting event of its kind ever held in our community. Amanda and Taylor share the behind-the-scenes story of how a local dream that started more than 15 years ago at Apalachee Regional Park grew into a world-class bid that beat out countries around the globe. They reveal what makes this event so special,...
info_outline
Trailer: The We Run This Town Podcast from GWTC
We Run This Town
Gulf Winds Track Club is launching our new "We Run This Town" podcast highlighting upcoming events, local places to run and bike as well as thoughts on technique, equipment and fitness. The monthly podcast will discuss everything you need to be your best and enjoy our vibrant running community! Watch for our first episode available the week of October 20!
info_outlineHost Mickey Moore sits down with Amanda Heidecker, Director of Parks and Recreation for Leon County, and Taylor Wheaton, Senior Sports Director for Visit Tallahassee, to talk about how Tallahassee became the proud host of the 2026 World Cross Country Championships—the first global sporting event of its kind ever held in our community.
Amanda and Taylor share the behind-the-scenes story of how a local dream that started more than 15 years ago at Apalachee Regional Park grew into a world-class bid that beat out countries around the globe. They reveal what makes this event so special, from the Florida-themed race course (complete with beaches, mud, and even “Alligator Alley”) to the youth races, community runs, and local legacy projects supporting Leon County schools.
You’ll hear how this once grassroots vision became reality through the dedication of local runners, volunteers and partners—all coming together to showcase Tallahassee’s spirit, hospitality and love for the sport.
Photo: Leon County Government