The 1988 IAAF World Cross Country Championships was held in Auckland, New Zealand, at the Ellerslie Racecourse on March 26, 1988. 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.

Medallists

Race results

Senior men's race (12 km)

Junior men's race (8.031 km)

†:Cosmas Ndeti of 🇰🇪 finished 2nd in 23:31 min, but was disqualified.

Senior women's race (5.962 km)

Medal table (unofficial)

Participation

An unofficial count yields the participation of 4401 athletes from 41 countries, two athletes (senior men) less than the official number published.