The Cross World Championship is looking for its champions in Belgrade.

The Cross World Championship seeks its champions in Belgrade This weekend, the city of Belgrade will be the stage where the champions of the 2024 World Cross Country Athletics Championship will be determined. After venue changes due to delays, the capital of Serbia will host this competition for the first time in Friendship Park, an urban area with flat terrain next to the Danube and Sava rivers. The competition circuit is mostly grass and has a route of approximately 1,900 meters per lap, with some additional sections at the beginning and end. Despite its apparent simplicity, it features a hay maze and a classic cross obstacle that will challenge the athletes. In the open categories, both male and female runners will have to complete a 10-kilometer course. On the other hand, in the under-20 categories, women will run six kilometers and men eight. Among the favorites to take the victory are Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda and Beatrice Chebet from Kenya, who are defending their titles from the previous edition. Although the absence of many European athletes in the competition is notable, an exciting podium battle is expected. In the men's category, Jacob Kiplimo, the world record holder in the half marathon, will seek to add a new achievement to his career. His main rival will be Joshua Cheptegei, also from Uganda, aged 27. Representing Spain in this category are Thierry Ndikumwenayo, Aarón Las Heras, Fernando Carro, and Nassim Hassaous. In the women's competition, Beatrice Chebet stands out as the top favorite after her victory in the previous edition. Contenders include Agnes Jebet Ngetich and Emmaculate Anyango, both from Kenya. The Spanish team will be led by Carolina Robles and Irene Sánchez-Escribano, who aim to excel in this demanding test. Additionally, the team is completed by Majida Maayouf, the national marathon record holder, and Isabel Barreiro, the recent Spanish runner-up in the 10,000 meters. With a spectacular setting and high level of competition, the Cross Country World Championship promises intense emotions and a display of athletic talent that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats until the last moment.