Head Challenges for cross country, records on the roads and Enhanced Games controversy

In the latest episode of the Athletics Weekly Podcast, host Euan Crumley is joined by Wendy Sly and Jason Henderson to examine an eventful start to 2026 and take a look at what promises to be a packed year ahead. 

There have already been cross country and road racing fireworks. The team reflects on the recent World Cross Country Championships and considers the reason why what used to be such a high profile event has slipped in the athletes’ list of priorities. Can it recapture past glories and how might that happen?

Many of the world’s best distance runners opted to run at the Valencia 10km instead, with Eilish McColgan and Andreas Almgren breaking European records in Spain. Is this a sign of things to come in the months ahead?

Reece Prescod also recently hit the headlines with his decision to compete in the highly controversial Enhanced Games in May. His case has also highlighted once again just how difficult it can be even for the elite to make a living from athletics. 

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