Ugandan runners Oscar Chelimo and Martin Kiprotich showcased strong performances at the Cross Internacional de Atapuerca in Spain on Sunday, with Chelimo securing second place in the men’s 9km race.
The challenging conditions, marked by rain and muddy sections, did not deter Chelimo as he closely trailed Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera, finishing just two seconds behind with a time of 25:39.
Chelimo, a 2022 World 5000m bronze medallist, was initially part of the lead pack with fellow Ugandan Kiprotich.
At the halfway mark, Chelimo moved into the lead briefly, working to create a gap between his compatriot and the rest of the contenders.
Kwizera, however, accelerated during the final stages, ultimately taking the lead and finishing in 25:37. Chelimo’s strategic run secured him a second-place finish, while Kiprotich completed the race in fifth place with a time of 25:50.
“The race wasn’t easy because of the rain and some muddy sections that were difficult to negotiate,” Kwizera remarked after the race.
Despite these conditions, Chelimo and Kiprotich’s performances were commendable against a world-class field that included Kenya’s Mathew Kipsang, who placed third.
Chelimo’s strong finish continues his series of impressive performances this season, after he finished second in the Amorebieta Cross Country Race last week.
Leading Results – Men’s 9km
1. Rodrigue Kwizera (Burundi) – 25:37
2. Oscar Chelimo (Uganda) – 25:39
3. Mathew Kipsang (Kenya) – 25:46
4. Egide Ntakarutimana (Burundi) – 25:48
5. Martin Kiprotich (Uganda) – 25:50
