T. NashipaeBeatrice Chebet reigns supreme in Cross Atapuerca in Spain
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 30.10.23. | 10:41
The win saw her manage back-to-back titles in Atapuerca
World cross-country champion Beatrice Chebet stamped authority at the second Gold Standard meeting in this season's World Athletics Cross Country Tour, the Cross Internacional de Atapuerca, held on Sunday 29 in Spain.
Chebet defied the tough weather conditions, running in 25:21 to live up to expectations.
The youngster started off on a high, leading the pack together with her fellow Kenyans, Edinah Jebitok and Lucy Mawia. They would, however, slow down towards the end of the opening kilometer, and Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat caught up with them.
Chebet’s breakthrough moment came about half a kilometer before the final lap, when she swiftly disconnected from her opponents and was visibly widening the gap.
She was still leading at the beginning of the final lap, three seconds ahead of Ethiopian Likana Amebaw. She seemed to be more motivated, taking the lead, while Amebaw, who was breathing hard, was overtaken by Chelangat and Jebitok.
Chebet would complete the race 15 seconds earlier than Chelangat (25:36), while Jebitok took third place in 25:44. Further back, the fast-finishing Megan Keith overtook Mawia on the final lap to cross the finish line in fifth.
The win saw her manage back-to-back titles in Atapuerca. She has confirmed her next appearance will be in Seville for the 'Cross Internacional de Itálica' on November 12.
In the men’s category, Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo outclassed a strong contingent to clock 25:21, 15 seconds ahead of Kenya's world U20 1500m record-holder Ronald Kwemoi, who crossed the line in 26:15. Rodrigue Kwizera from Burundi completed the podium in 26:16.
Women (8km)
1. Beatrice Chebet (KEN) 25:21
2. Sarah Chelangat (UGA) 25:36
3. Edinah Jebitok (KEN) 25:44
4. Likina Amebaw (ETH) 26:06
5. Megan Keith (GBR) 26:39
Men (9km)
1. Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) 26:00
2. Ronald Kwemoi (KEN) 26:15
3. Rodrigue Kwizera (BUR) 26:16
4. Celestin Ndikumana (BUR) 26:47
5. Leonard Chemutai (UGA) 26:48
