Uganda will also have strong representation in Florida, courtesy of national champion Joy Cheptoyek and Sarah Chelangat, the latter of whom placed fifth in Belgrade two years ago.
For the hosts, Weini Kelati leads the U.S. entries after winning the trial race in Portland.
Also in the mix are Great Britain’s Megan Keith, the reigning European cross-country silver medallist, and Francine Niyomukunzi of Burundi, a regular on the Cross Country Tour who claimed victory at last season’s Gold meeting in Albufeira.
Senior men
The men’s race is framed by the latest chapter in a familiar rivalry. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo is chasing a third straight world cross-country title, while Paris 2024 10,000m silver medallist Berihu Aregawi returns after finishing runner-up at the last two editions, with the margins between them narrowing across recent championships.