TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Northern Marianas Athletics sent a small team to the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida, with U20 runner Victor Nash Santos and Open Women’s 10K competitor Nathania Tan representing the CNMI.
Northern Marianas Athletics said Santos, a senior at Saipan International School and the current NMI 10,000-meter record holder, finished the U20 8-kilometer race in 33:28. Tan finished the Open Women’s 10K in 41:48.
The release described an obstacle-heavy course and unseasonably warm conditions that made the race challenging, with both CNMI runners completing their events. Santos said the sand section was the hardest part, while Tan said competing at the event was “eye-opening” and motivating.
Coaches Dr. Ron Snyder and Kathryn Watt traveled with the team, with Watt described as Tan’s coach based in Hawaii. Snyder said the performances reflected courage and teamwork, while Watt praised the athletes’ pride and integrity.
Northern Marianas Athletics also included highlights from the championship weekend, including Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo winning the men’s race for a third straight title and Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich winning the women’s race. The mixed relay was won by Australia, anchored by Jessica Hull, the release said.
