Uganda’s top athletes delivered standout performances at the Cross Internacional Zornotza in Amorebieta on Sunday, 20 October 2024, the first Gold event of this season’s World Athletics Cross Country Tour.
The men’s race saw a strong showing from Ugandan runners, with Oscar Chelimo, Dan Kibet, and Kenneth Kiprop placing in the top five.
In the men’s 8.7km race, Dan Kibet took an aggressive start, covering the first kilometer in just 2:47, with teammates Oscar Chelimo and Kenneth Kiprop close behind, along with pre-race favorite Rodrigue Kwizera from Burundi.
Chelimo, the 2022 World 5000m bronze medalist, worked with Kibet to maintain the lead, but as the race progressed, Kiprop began to lose ground, and Kwizera moved into the lead at the 14-minute mark.
Despite a strong push, Kwizera broke away on the final lap, covering it in 5:48 to win the race in 25:29.
Chelimo finished second with a time of 25:41, eight seconds ahead of Kibet, who claimed third in 25:49.
Kiprop, who had stayed with the leaders for much of the race, was overtaken in the later stages and finished fifth in 26:16.
Leading Results – Men’s Race (8.7km):
1. Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI) – 25:29
2. Oscar Chelimo (UGA) – 25:41
3. Dan Kibet (UGA) – 25:49
4. Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang (KEN) – 26:07
5. Kenneth Kiprop (UGA) – 26:16
