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Jacob Kiplimo ensured the World Cross Country men's title stayed in Uganda, by defeating a strong field for the title.
Jacob Kiplimo upgraded from his silver medal from four years ago by winning the men's senior World Cross Country title in Bathurst.
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The 22-year-old's brilliance shone through, conquering an incredibly stacked field and defying the stormy conditions that broke out just a few minutes into the race.
Kiplimo won running a time of 29:17 to defeat Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi in 29:26, while defending champion Joshua Cheptegei held on for third in 29:37 same time with Kenya's Kamworor for fourth.
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“The course was really good,” said Kiplimo. “Even with lots of wind, it was really intense. I think for me it was really good because there are lots of hills where we train in Uganda. It was not easy but I did my best.”
Aregawi, meanwhile, was delighted to earn his first senior global medal. Back in 2018 he won the African U18 title over 3000m, and then earned two silver medals at the Youth Olympic Games later that year. In 2021 he won the Diamond League 5000m title and set a world 5km record on the roads, but missed out on a 10,000m at the Olympic Games.
“The conditions were tough,” he said. “It was hot on the first lap, and then it changed to windy. This championship was very difficult and tough, but I am really pleased.”
Meanwhile, Cheptegei was pleased with his third place given the circumstances.
“I think it was a good race, especially coming back from injury,” said the world 5000m and 10,000m record-holder. “I didn’t have the best preparation, but I’m grateful to come here and finish on the podium. Now I can be reassured I can go focus on the track soon, and especially the coming World Championships.”
The same three nations have now filled the podium in the senior men’s team competition for the three most recent editions of the World Cross Country Championships, asides in a different order each time.
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