Debutant Mercy Chepkemoi takes win in Soria cross country gold-level meet

Kenya U20 athlete Mercy Chepkemoi took victory on her World Athletics Cross Country Tour debut on Sunday 10 November, fending off tight opposition from Burundi’s Francine Niyomukunzi to take a win at the 30th Cross Internacional de Soria.

The 19-year-old, taking part in the women’s 8km contest, took advantage of an up-and-down section on the Spanish course to build a sizable lead with 300m to go, ultimately winning in a time of 26:48.

Niyomukunzi came second seven seconds later, with World U20 3000m steeplechase bronze medalist Diana Chepkemoi closing out the podium places clocking 27:11.

Speaking after her win, Chepkemoi, who finished 12th in the U20 race at the World Cross Country Championships in March, said: “It was not an easy race because of the hills but I felt quite strong.

“Today was my first outing in Europe and it’s very important for me to win at a Gold permit like Soria.”

Race Report

The women’s contest witnessed a slow early pace, with the African contingent always at the helm, closely followed by a large pack over the opening kilometer.

Just before completing the first 2000m lap in 6:58, a quartet led by Niyomukunzi and Diana easily broke away from the rest of the contenders, while Spain’s Marta Perez became a lonesome fifth, traveling four seconds in arrears.

The second circuit proved to be much faster as the lead group clocked 6:38 for that segment to extend their advantage to 17 seconds over the Spanish 1500m record-holder Perez, who was performing in front of her home crowd.

Mistake that cost Kenyan Ksh3.9 million after winning Hangzhou Marathon [VIDEO]

Midway through the penultimate loop, Sharon Chepkemoi began to struggle and lost any chance of a podium place, while the eventual winner moved to the front for the first time.

It was 200m before the bell-the third loop taking a comfortable 6:50 – that Mercy injected a much brisker rhythm, and only Niyomukunzi was able to live with her pace.

The two leaders took turns at the front over the closing circuit, clearly extending their lead over Diana and Sharon.

Qualification system for World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25 revealed

With some 600m remaining, Mercy tried to get rid of her Burundian rival, but Niyomukunzi managed to remain at her shoulder.

But with 200m to go, an untroubled Mercy broke away, timing a fast 6:34 last lap to take her maiden Gold Level meeting win.