Uganda’s Oscar Chelimo put in a determined performance at the 2025 Cross Internacional das Amendoeiras em Flor in Albufeira, finishing fourth in a highly competitive men’s race on Sunday.
The 2022 World 5000m bronze medallist stayed in contention for much of the 9280m race but was unable to secure a podium spot as Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera stormed to victory.
Chelimo, who was runner-up at this event last year, started conservatively, running just behind the early pace set by Kenya’s Charles Rotich and Burundi’s Kwizera.
As the race progressed, defending champion Thierry Ndikumwenayo and Turkey’s Sezgin Atac also moved up, creating a four-man battle at the front.
Kwizera surged ahead on the penultimate lap, leaving Rotich and Ndikumwenayo to chase. Chelimo worked hard to stay in touch but lost ground in the latter stages.
Despite his efforts, he crossed the finish line in 27:44, 42 seconds behind the winner and 26 seconds off the podium, as Kenya’s Rotich took third place in 27:18.
