Brian Fay finished a brilliant 16th at the World Cross Country championship in Tallahassee, Florida.
Fay was never outside the top 50 in the best Irish performance at these championships since Fionnuala McCormack in 2013. The best Irish men’s performance since John Woods (15th) in 1988.
Fay worked his way into the top 30 at the six km mark before battling through the final four km to finish 16th.
Fay produced a brilliant performance on the new style World cross country course, which included five elements to challenge. A man made elevation, a beach section, a water hazard, the log object and a dirt trail.
A brilliant performance from Fay, now officially included as one of the best in the World.
🗣️ “I’m buzzing…I wanted to come here and make a statement. I’m happy to have came here, represented and ran well.”
Hear from Brian Fay after his superb 16th place finish in the Senior Men’s race at the World Cross Country Championships! 🎤#IrishAthletics #WorldCrossCountry pic.twitter.com/9EfUvP6X5P
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) January 10, 2026
