Tan, Santos blaze to best times at World Cross Country Champs

From the track and beaten paths of the NMI, to the world stage on a demanding and technical course against some of the world’s best, NMI’s Tania Tan and Victor Nash Santos tested themselves and were rewarded with personal best times at the 46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships 2026 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida on Saturday, Jan. 10.

The course, designed to reflect Florida’s varied landscapes, had runners face steep hills, deep sand, mud, and water obstacles. The unusually hot weather made the course even harder, and a few athletes struggled to get through it.

Tan, a veteran runner, multi-medalist, and NMI record holder in multiple events, posted a personal best time of 41:48 in the Women’s Senior 10k race. She said competing on the world stage provided both perspective and motivation.

“Thank you to Northern Marianas Athletics for giving me the opportunity to compete at such a high-level event. It’s always eye-opening to see how fast the world’s top athletes are, and it inspires me to continue working hard and striving to hopefully be there one day. I am glad and proud to represent our tiny islands on the biggest stage.”

Santos, a Saipan International School senior and rising talent, competed in the Men’s U20 8k race, clocking a personal best 33:28. He described the course as unlike anything he had raced before.

“The course was totally different than what I have raced before. I have never had obstacles like this before, but it was fun. The sand was the hardest part, full of holes, and by the end, it was a challenge to lift my feet through it.”

Despite the heat and technical nature of the course, both athletes raced with determination. Coach and team leader Dr. Ron Snyder praised their performance and representation. “Watching Nash and Tania tackle this world-class course with heart and determination makes me incredibly proud. Representing the Northern Mariana Islands on this stage is about more than finishing times—it’s about courage, teamwork, and showing the world what our athletes are capable of. Today, they ran with honor, and they will inspire the next generation of runners back home.”

Coach Watt, who trains Tan in Hawaii, also highlighted the athletes’ commitment and future potential. “It was an honour to travel to Tallahassee to support the incredible athletes representing the Northern Mariana Islands. Competing at the highest level, they ran for their country with pride and integrity. The future is bright for these two athletes as they continue to grow in this sport and inspire their nation. Thank you Northern Marianas Athletics for this amazing opportunity.”

The championships also featured standout performances on the global stage, with Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo winning his third consecutive world cross country title and Australia claiming gold in the mixed relay, anchored by Jessica Hull.

In cross country, it’s not just about individual times—team results matter too. Scores are based on how the top four runners from each team finish. Even though NMI had a small team, racing on a world championship course against top international athletes was a great experience for the program.

For Tan and Santos, the meet provided a clear benchmark as NMI athletes continue to represent in international competition.

This year, the NMI will be sending representatives to compete in more competitions including the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland from Mar. 20-22, the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, Australia from May 18-23, and the World Athletics U20 Championships from Aug. 5-9 in Eugene, Oregon.