REDS' Belof To Lead Canadian Team At FISU XC
(FREDERICTON, NB) Chris Belof, the head coach of the UNB REDS’ track and field and cross country teams, has been named head coach of Team Canada for the 2026 FISU World University Cross Country Championships, in Cassino, Italy, March 14th and 15th, 2026.
“I’m excited to be part of my first FISU team and lead an exceptionally talented group of Canadian student-athletes,” said Belof. “FISU Cross Country plays an important role in the development of Canadian athletes, and I’m looking forward to working with the staff, leadership group, and athletes representing Canada at the championships.”
Belof will be joined by assistant coach Kala Stone, from the University of Victoria, and therapist Diane Ouimet, from STFX.
The trio will guide Canada’s student-athletes as they compete against runners from more than 30 countries at one of the premier events on the FISU calendar.
The student-athletes that will represent Canada will be named in mid-January.
“We’re very pleased to be sending an all-star team of the best U SPORTS runners to wear the maple leaf at 2026 FISU Championships,” said Matthew Davies, U SPORTS Chief Sport Officer. “FISU championships provide a world stage for our student-athletes, and Chris, Kala and Diane will ensure they are prepared to compete, learn and grow against some of the best university runners on the planet.”
Over two days, teams will compete in women’s and men’s 3 and 10 kilometre races, as well as short and long mixed relays while also taking part in cultural programming that underscores the academic and international spirit of FISU events.
“This is an opportunity for me to showcase what we’re building with REDS’ cross country and track and field,” said Coach Belof. “I get to work with some of this country’s top student-athletes, and they get to witness some of what’s going on here. And when recruits see our involvement, on numerous levels, with national teams, it registers with them and helps us sell them on UNB.”
Canada has a proud history at the FISU World University Cross Country Championship. Canadian women won bronze medals at the event in 2010, in Kingston, Ontario, and 2014, in Entebbe, Uganda.
STORY AND FILE PHOTO BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS with files from U SPORTS