The 1982 IAAF World Cross Country Championships was held in Rome, Italy, at the Ippodromo delle Capannelle on March 21, 1982. A report on the event was given in the Glasgow Herald. Complete results for men, junior men, women, medallists, and the results of British athletes were published. In the senior men's competition, two-time defending champion Craig Virgin had traveled to Rome to defend his title, but was unable to race. On the day before the contest, was sent to the hospital by ambulance, where he was hospitalized for six days with a swollen kidney and a massive urinary tract infection. Doctors ultimately decided against removal of Virgin's right kidney, although the kidney was later removed in 1994.

Medallists

Race results

Senior men's race (11.978 km)

Junior men's race (7.926 km)

Senior women's race (4.663 km)

Medal table (unofficial)

Participation

An unofficial count yields the participation of 382 athletes from 33 countries. This is in agreement with the official numbers as published.