BELGRADE – Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and Beatrice Chebet of Kenya retained their world cross country titles in Belgrade on March 30.
It is just the fifth time in history that both the senior men and women’s champions have retained their titles at the championships – the first since Ethiopian duo Kenenisa Bekele and Tirunesh Dibaba in 2005-06.
Kiplimo, 23, made it three successive men’s world crowns for Uganda – Joshua Cheptegei winning the 2019 edition – timing 28 minutes and nine seconds over the 10km trip.
He joins legends Bekele and Paul Tergat in retaining the title, although he has still some way to go to equal their achievements of winning five in a row.
“It actually feels more exciting to successfully defend my title than to win the first one,” he said.
“But it was also tougher. I came here expecting I could win again, but the field was really strong.
“The course was fine, a little challenging with the obstacles. It was a little tough running in the heat, but that wasn’t a major issue.”
He said the title was a perfect boost for his morale after missing the outdoor World Athletics Championships in 2023 due to a hamstring injury.
“I was hungry for medals after missing Budapest last year,” said Kiplimo, who is the world half marathon record holder.
“I was in good shape, but then the injury happened and I had to get treatment, but I am back now.
“My goal this year is to do what Joshua Cheptegei did and win an Olympic gold (5,000m in Tokyo).
“My main focus is the 10,000m, but I’m not sure yet if I want to double.”
The reigning 5,000m and 10,000m Commonwealth Games champion finished three seconds clear of Berihu Aregawi of Ethiopia, who also took silver a year ago in Bathurst, Australia.
Kenya’s Benson Kiplangat, who is a 5,000m specialist, took bronze, two seconds adrift of Aregawi.
Cheptegei finished a disappointing sixth, 15 seconds off his compatriot’s winning time.
Chebet had earlier become the first female runner since Ethiopian great Dibaba to retain her title, leading home a Kenyan medal sweep.
The 24-year-old was only fourth in the Kenyan trials for the championships but she came home in 31:05 – three seconds clear of Lilian Rengeruk. Margaret Kipkemboi took bronze, a further second adrift.
Chebet’s victory was the ninth successive win for Kenya in the women’s race. “We won the team title, that showed very strong teamwork,” she said.
“After trials we trained together, we eat the same food. We were a team and being together helped us achieve the best result here.
“It is not easy to come to a world championship and defend your title, there is a lot of pressure.
“My target was to be on the podium. I felt I was stronger with about 500m to go.” AFP
