Jakob Ingebrigtsen headlines a starry field of contenders as nearly 500 athletes head to Copenhagen for the annual World Athletics Road Running Championships.
The Norwegian great is targeting a first world title on the road having entered the 5k after claiming European and Ultimate Championships gold in the event. But he’ll face stiff competition from 10,000m world champion Jimmy Gressier, with the Frenchman having set a world-leading time of 12:51 over the shorter distance.
The USA’s Yared Nuguse leads the contenders in the mile, while the men’s half marathon field is headlined by double Olympic gold medallist Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda and Sweden’s world 10,000m silver medallist Andreas Almgren.
Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich is aiming for the cross-country and road double this season as she targets victory in the half marathon with Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw, who claimed a brilliant win in the 5km at the Ultimate Championships last weekend, going for two world titles in successive weekends.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When are the World Athletics Road Running Championships?
The World Athletics Road Running Championships take place in Copenhagen, Denmark on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, with six world titles to be decided in the men’s and women’s mile, 5km and half marathon.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the championships live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
World Athletics Road Running Championships schedule
all times BST
Saturday 19 September9:10 Women's mile9:30 Men's mile13:10 Women's 5k13:40 Men's 5k
Sunday 20 September08:10 Women's half marathon08:45 Men's half marathon
