Delegations from thirty different nations. Twelve international judges. A massive organizational effort to provide the best possible welcome to athletes together with their staff and families. One hundred Italian trainees, one hundred international trainees, team escorts, hotels, restaurants—an incredible network working together to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The organization of the World University Cross Country Championships, which will take place in Cassino from March 13 to 15, is progressing at full speed. Local business owners are also involved and will have the opportunity to participate through the initiative “Cassino World Showcase.” By decorating their shop windows with a Cross Country theme, they will be able to compete to win a reproduction of the “Athlete of Cassino.”
Meanwhile, greetings and messages of support continue to arrive from the highest political and sports institutional authorities. Following the messages from the Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi, the President of International University Sports Federation Leons Eder, and the President of FederCUSI Antonio Dima, messages have also been received from the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) Luciano Buonfiglio and the President of the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) Stefano Mei.
Message from Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee
The 24th edition of the World University Cross Country Championships, scheduled for March 14 and 15, 2026 in Cassino, represents a major competitive showcase and a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the importance of the synergistic relationship between sport and education.
Congratulations to CUS Cassino for organizing this world-class event, which will further enhance the image of the entire system thanks also to the active involvement of the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio.
We are grateful to FederCUSI and its network for their commitment to promoting the strength of the model we support every day, through initiatives linked to dual careers and collaboration between universities and our affiliated organizations.
Hosting such an important event in Italy helps strengthen the leadership of our movement in support of the sector’s development and a vision that enhances competitiveness without neglecting education.
On behalf of myself and the Italian National Olympic Committee, I wish everyone an excellent World University Cross Country Championship.
Message from Stefano Mei, President of the Italian Athletics Federation
The Italian Athletics Federation is proud that the World University Cross Country Championships are once again taking place in Cassino, ten years after the first edition held here.
The city, with its facilities and the essential institutional synergy required to manage major events, has demonstrated its ability to meet difficult and increasingly ambitious challenges. The organizational experience gained over the past two years through the Festa del Cross at Campus Folcara represents a fundamental foundation for successfully hosting this event.
I am convinced that all participating athletes will experience wonderful days in Cassino and will return home with unforgettable memories and an even greater passion for this extraordinary discipline, which embodies all the core values of athletics.
To the President of CUS Cassino, Carmine Calce, to the staff, and to everyone contributing to the success of this event, I wish that this will be another milestone in a journey of growth that will further establish Cassino among the Italian and international capitals of cross country running.
5 Feb
