The races were held at the Umi-no-nakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka, Japan, Japan's National Cross Country Course which is the permanent residence of the annual Fukuoka International Cross Country meeting.

Kenenisa Bekele won both men's individual races, proving himself the most successful Cross country runner.

At the team competition Eritrea surprisingly beat Ethiopia and lost to Kenya only by four points.

Ethiopia won the team competition beating Kenya only by a single point.

*   Host nation (Japan)According to an unofficial count, 574 athletes from 59 countries participated.