Uganda’s Keneth Kiprop retained his Cardiff Cross Challenge title with a decisive sprint, while Charity Cherop edged Kenya’s Sheila Jebet in a tense finish at this season’s third World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold event on Saturday (9).
Kiprop, a world U20 5000m bronze medallist, pulled ahead in the final meters of the men’s 9600m race, narrowly outpacing Kenya’s Vincent Mutai.
Mutai, who was positioned well for a late charge, ultimately could not match Kiprop’s surge, as the 19-year-old Ugandan secured his victory in 27:06, two seconds clear of Mutai. Uganda’s Daniel Kibet claimed third in 27:15.
The senior women’s race over 6400m saw Cherop hold off a determined late push from Jebet to cross the line in 20:15.
Jebet, known for her strong finishes, chased hard in the final stretch, closing the gap to one second, but Cherop’s endurance paid off as she maintained her lead. Kate Axford of Great Britain secured third place in 20:21, followed by compatriots Cari Hughes and Izzy Fry.
In the men’s race, Britain’s Zak Mahamed led an early pack of nine, including Dutch Olympic 1500m finalist Niels Laros. Kiprop used his familiarity with the course to take control mid-race, navigating lapped runners and breaking away with Mutai and Kibet near the 23-minute mark.
In the final kilometre, Kiprop and Mutai left Kibet behind, but Kiprop’s well-timed sprint clinched his Cardiff title.
The women’s race started with Cherop joining an 11-strong lead pack, while Jebet positioned herself in the chase group.
Axford, Hughes, and Fry led the field early on, with Cherop steadily moving to the front after the first lap. A surge from Jebet late in the race brought her into contention, but Cherop’s finishing pace secured her victory.
The U20 races saw Britain’s Innes FitzGerald dominate the women’s event, while Will Rabjohns claimed the men’s title.
Leading Results
Men (9600m)
1. Keneth Kiprop (UGA) – 27:06
2. Vincent Mutai (KEN) – 27:08
3. Daniel Kibet (UGA) – 27:15
Women (6400m)
1. Charity Cherop (UGA) – 20:15
2. Sheila Jebet (KEN) – 20:16
3. Kate Axford (GBR) – 20:21
