Seville's Cross Internacional de Italica Celebrates Victorious Performances from Chebet and Ndikumwe

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

In the picturesque setting of Santiponce near Seville, Olympic champions Beatrice Chebet from Kenya and Thierry Ndikumwenayo from Spain emerged victorious at the Cross Internacional de Italica. Chebet, an acclaimed Olympic gold medallist in the 5000 and 10000 metres, dominated the women's field with an impressive time of 23:32, leaving behind Kazakhstan's Daisy Jepkemei, who finished second in 23:59, and Uganda's Charity Cherop in third at 24:35.

Chebet set a fast pace from the beginning of the race. The two-time world cross country champion built a solid lead ahead of a chasing group formed by Deisy Jepkemoi from Kazakhstan, Uganda’s Charity Cherop and Kenyan namesakes Mercy, Diana and Sharon Chepkemoi. European 5000 metres bronze medallist Marta Garcia, Carolina Robles and Sarah Lathi from Sweden followed a few metres behind.

Chebet covered the first 2.5 km loop in a fast 7:36 building a lead of six seconds over Jepkemei. The 10000 metres world record holder covered the second lap in 7:44.

Chebet ran the final lap in 7:42 to cross the finish-line in 23:32 with a gap of 27 seconds over Jepkemei. Cherop crossed the finish-line in third place in 24:35 holding off Diana Chepkemoi (24:38).

“It was my third appearance here and I managed to triumph at last so I am very satisfied. It has also been very nice to share the weekend with my young compatriots Mercy, Diana and Sharon Chepkemoi”, said Beatrice Chebet.

Men’s race:

Morocco’s Younes Kniya took the early lead and covered the first lap in 7:13 with a lead of three seconds over the chasing group. European half marathon champion Yeman Crippa caught up with Kniya after the fourth kilometer. Crippa led a group of eight men which featured Olympic 10000 metres champion Berihu Aregawi from Ethiopia. Aregawi took the lead for the first time after 18 minutes. Kwizera and Ndikumenayo went to the front and started to push hard.

Crippa lost the ground with 700 metres to go. Ndikumwenayo launched his attack to build a slight lead on Kwizera.

Ndikumwenayo crossed the finish-line in 21:24 sharing the same time as Kwizera. Aregawi finished third in 21:27 holding off Crippa by five seconds.

“I did not expect to win as my only target today was to help my club Playa de Castellon to win the national team but I felt strong throughout and decided to go for the victory over the last lap”, said Ndikwenayo.

TOP RESULTS WOMEN INTERNATIONAL RACE