Sarnia's Chase Capes, 16, will represent Canada at this weekend's 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Florida.
The event will kick off on Saturday, January 10 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.
His father, Craig Capes, spoke with Sarnia News Today after landing in Florida on Thursday. The proud dad said Chase was met at the airport by some of his teammates.
"We said our goodbyes and they hopped on their bus and they went to their hotel," he said.
Capes said Chase runs 90 to 100 kilometres per week as part of his training.
This is Chase's first time representing Team Canada.
"He started doing cross country just in Grade 9, and he's now just started Grade 11," Capes said. "In track and field last year, he won double gold at OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) in the 800 and 1,500 metres. When he ran [cross country] he got silver at OFSAA, so he's doing really well. He got third at nationals... he's on fire."
The St. Patrick’s Catholic High School student won bronze in the U20 8km event with a time of 24:59.0 at the 2025 Canadian Cross Country Championships held in London in November.
Chase is one of 28 racers representing Team Canada. He will compete in the men's U20 8 km event.
The race is scheduled to take place at 10:55 a.m. on Saturday.
