Running News Daily

Few elements of the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee sparked as much debate as the course itself. Athletes, coaches, and fans questioned whether it leaned too far into spectacle or whether it truly represented the essence of cross country running.

For Australia’s Jessica Hull, however, there was little doubt.

Hull, the reigning world record holder over 2000 meters and a key figure in Australia’s gold-medal performance in the mixed 4x2km relay, welcomed the challenge from the moment she laid eyes on the layout. Rather than seeing gimmicks, she saw opportunity.

Her reaction was immediate enthusiasm. To Hull, the course captured the true spirit of cross country — unpredictable, demanding, and mentally engaging. Instead of rewarding only raw speed, it required athletes to read the terrain, adapt on the fly, and make smart decisions under pressure. In her view, that balance made the race fairer, not harder.

The design, she explained, broke the rhythm in a way that leveled the field. Runners could no longer rely solely on pushing the pace and hoping for the best. Every section demanded awareness and control, turning the race into a test of judgment as much as fitness. For Hull, that evolution marked a positive step forward for the sport.

Drawing from her own background, she noted how cross country varies across regions. Growing up, races often meant mud, grass, and constantly changing conditions. Later experiences, particularly in collegiate systems, introduced faster and more uniform surfaces. The Tallahassee course, she felt, struck the ideal balance — quick in parts, punishing in others — blending speed with technical difficulty.

Beyond the competition itself, Hull highlighted another crucial element: the fans. The course design brought spectators close to the action, creating an atmosphere that fed directly into the race. The energy, she said, felt tangible — as if the crowd was pulling athletes forward with every cheer. That connection between runner and spectator is, in her view, exactly what championship cross country should offer.

In the end, Hull found little to criticize. The course tested skill, rewarded intelligence, and elevated the spectacle for everyone watching.

Then, with a brief pause and a knowing smile, she added one final thought — her experience may have been helped by the fact that she only had to tackle one lap.