World Cross-Country Champs: Karabo More Leads SA Charge to Sixth Place
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – South African athlete Karabo More delivered a standout performance on the second leg of the mixed relay at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships on Saturday, 10 January 2026, powering her team to a solid sixth-place finish in a fiercely competitive field that showcased the best cross-country talent from around the globe.
The event, held at Apalachee Regional Park under warm and humid conditions typical of northern Florida, drew runners from dozens of nations for a day packed with thrilling races across various categories. For Team South Africa, More’s strong run was a highlight, helping the squad clock a total time of 23:04 in the 4x2km mixed relay and earning praise for her speed and endurance on the challenging course. While the team fell short of a medal, their effort underlined the growing depth in South African distance running, offering hope for future international outings. As the championships wrapped up, athletes and fans alike reflected on a day where strategy, stamina, and teamwork decided the podium spots.
The Mixed Relay: A Test of Teamwork and Pace
The mixed relay, a format that alternates male and female runners over four 2km legs, kicked off the day’s action and set a high-energy tone. South Africa’s lineup featured Luan Munnik on the first leg, Karabo More on the second, Christopher Swart on the third, and Carina Viljoen anchoring the final stretch. Munnik started steadily, handing off in a competitive position before More took over with a powerful surge that moved the team up the pack.
More’s leg was particularly impressive, as she navigated the undulating terrain – a mix of grass, dirt paths, and small hills – with controlled aggression, closing gaps on leaders and setting up her teammates for a strong finish. Swart maintained the momentum with a solid effort, while Viljoen battled hard in the anchor role to secure sixth place. The team’s time of 23:04 placed them just behind the United States in fifth (22:59) and ahead of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in seventh (23:06).
Australia claimed gold with a dominant 22:32, followed by Ethiopia in silver (22:40) and Spain in bronze (22:49). Kenya, often favourites in distance events, settled for fourth at 22:50. For someone new to cross-country relays, picture it like a tag-team race where each runner covers a short but intense loop, passing a baton while battling uneven ground and fatigue – a far cry from smooth track events, demanding adaptability and raw fitness.
Karabo More’s Rise and Key Contributions
At 24 years old, Karabo More has emerged as a force in middle-distance and cross-country running, with her performance here building on a strong domestic season. Hailing from Gauteng, she has progressed through South Africa’s athletics development programmes, excelling in events like the 1500m and 3000m on the track before thriving in off-road races. Her leg in the relay clocked around 6:10, a pace that demonstrated her ability to accelerate under pressure and handle the course’s twists.
Teammates and coaches have lauded More for her mental toughness, noting how she pushed through the humidity – temperatures hovered around 25°C with high moisture levels – to deliver when it mattered. This championships appearance marks a milestone in her career, following successes in regional meets where she has consistently medalled. Looking ahead, her form could earn her spots in upcoming track seasons, potentially targeting African Championships or even the 2028 Olympics in longer distances.
More’s story resonates with many aspiring athletes in South Africa, where access to top training can be limited. Starting from school competitions, she credits community support and national federations for her growth, showing how talent from diverse backgrounds can shine on world stages.
South Africa’s Overall Performance at the Championships
Beyond the relay, Team South Africa fielded athletes across multiple categories, showcasing a mix of youth and experience. In the senior women’s 10km race, Zanele Maisa and Cian Oldknow represented the country, battling a stacked field led by Kenyan and Ethiopian powerhouses. Maisa finished in the mid-pack, highlighting her endurance on a course that included water crossings and soft underfoot sections, while Oldknow pushed hard but faced the event’s gruelling demands.
The junior men’s 8km saw Anele Matsoso as a standout, navigating the muddy paths with determination in a race won by Kenya’s Frankline Kibet. South Africa’s under-20 contingent, including runners in both men’s and women’s events, gained valuable exposure against global peers, with times reflecting solid efforts despite the elite competition.
Overall, the team returned without medals but with pride in their sixth-place relay finish – a step up from previous outings and a sign of progress in a sport dominated by East African nations. Athletics South Africa officials noted the experience will fuel preparations for future events, emphasising the need for more funding in endurance programmes to close the gap.
The Venue and Global Context of the Championships
Apalachee Regional Park, nestled in Tallahassee’s green spaces, provided a fitting backdrop for the 46th edition of the World Athletics Cross Country Championships. The 2026 meet drew over 500 athletes from more than 50 countries, with courses designed to test versatility – from flat straights for speed bursts to hilly sections that demand power. Florida’s subtropical climate added an extra layer, with runners contending with warmth and potential rain that can turn paths slick.
Cross-country, unlike track or road racing, rewards those who adapt to nature’s variables, making it a true test of all-around fitness. Globally, the event serves as a qualifier for major meets and a platform for emerging stars. For South Africa, participation aligns with efforts to boost athletics amid challenges like limited resources and competition from popular sports like rugby and soccer.
Looking Ahead: Implications for South African Athletics
Mokoena’s – wait, More’s – performance, alongside the team’s showing, offers a boost for Athletics South Africa as they eye the 2026 African Championships and beyond. Coaches plan to build on this by increasing cross-country exposure for juniors, aiming to develop a pipeline of versatile runners. Funding remains key, with calls for more government and sponsor support to match international standards.
For fans, the championships were a thrilling watch, broadcast live and drawing crowds despite the overseas location. As South Africa reflects on sixth place, the focus shifts to nurturing talents like More, ensuring the next generation runs even stronger. In a sport where every stride counts, this result is a promising step forward.
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