Amebaw and Kipsang Triumph at the Cross Internacional de Soria

Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw and Kenya’s Matthew Kipsang claimed victory at the Cross Internacional de Soria, the fourth leg of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold.

Women’s 8 km Race

Amebaw dominated the women’s 8 km race, crossing the line in 27:25, ahead of Kenya’s Sheila Jebet (27:55) and Italy’s Valentina Gemetto (28:11).

Jebet, Amebaw, and Gemetto shared the early lead, passing the opening 2 km lap in 7:20. Amebaw began to push the pace on the third lap, with only Jebet managing to stay close. Behind them, Noshin Kimuge ran a few seconds adrift, followed by a chasing pack that included Gemetto and Spanish runners Ideira Prieto and Maria Ureña.

Amebaw surged ahead, covering the third lap in 6:20, and continued to pull away over the final circuit, which she ran in 6:14. Jebet began to fade in the closing stages, as Amebaw powered to a commanding 30-second victory.

Gemetto and Prieto caught Kimuge before the bell; the Italian athlete moved clear to secure third place, with Prieto overtaking Kimuge for fourth.

“Soria is my favourite cross-country race, so I’m very pleased to take my second victory here,” said Amebaw. “Itálica was very tough and recovery hasn’t been easy, so I started conservatively. When I kicked, I was surprised Jebet stayed with me so long, but fortunately she couldn’t follow on the last lap. The circuit is very similar to where I train, so I feel comfortable here.”

Men’s 8 km Race

Three-time Soria winner Rodrigue Kwizera set a brisk early pace, leading through the first 2 km in 5:47, followed by Thierry Ndikumwenayo, Ilias Fifa, Matthew Kipchumba Kipsang, Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto, Naibei Kiplimo Mayebei, and Edwin Kiplangat Bett.

World U20 cross country medallist Kipruto took the lead midway through the second lap, with Kwizera close behind. The lead pack was soon reduced to Kipruto, Kwizera, Kipsang, and Ndikumwenayo, who completed the third lap in 5:46.

With 500 metres to go, Kwizera made his move, but Kipsang responded strongly. In a thrilling finish, Kipsang unleashed his kick in the final stretch to overtake Kwizera and win by just one second in 23:10. Kipruto secured third in 23:13, narrowly ahead of Ndikumwenayo, who clocked the same time.

Kipsang, who set personal bests of 7:33.23 for 3000m and 12:58.81 for 5000m earlier this year, celebrated his victory on his birthday.

“I’m doubly happy. It’s my birthday and I’ve won,” said Kipsang. “I was third here last year, but my victory in Cardiff last weekend gave me confidence. I didn’t want to set the pace; I saved everything for the finish—and it paid off.”

• SEE FULL RESULTS HERE

TOP RESULTS MEN'S ELITE 8KM

1. Matthew Kipchumba Kipsang (Kenya) – 23:10
2. Rodrigue Kwizera (Burundi) – 23:11
3. Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto (Kenya) – 23:13
4. Thierry Ndikumwenayo (Spain) – 23:13
5. Naibei Kiplimo Mayebei (Kenya) – 23:45
6. Ilias Fifa Temsamani (Spain) – 23:47
7. Edwin Kiplangat Bett (Kenya) – 23:48
8. Kelvie Kiptoo Murkeu (Kenya) – 24:12
9. Emile Hafashimana (Burundi) – 24:15
10. Abderrahman El Kayami El Komiry (Spain) – 24:20
11. George Kiplagat Kiptum (Kenya) – 24:21
12. Ibrahim Buras (Norway) – 24:25
13. Javier Guerra Polo (Spain) – 24:28
14. Younes Kniya Touil (Spain) – 24:38
15. Elie Sindayikengera (Burundi) – 24:39
16. Daniel Arce Ibañez (Spain) – 24:42
17. Meshack Kipkurgat Kirwa (Kenya) – 24:48
18. Nahuel Carabaña (Andorra) – 24:52
19. Eric Nzambimana (Burundi) – 24:52
20. Hugo Miguel Ramos (Spain) – 24:58

TOP RESULTS WOMEN'S ELITE 8KM

1. Likina Amebaw (Ethiopia) – 27:25
2. Sheila Jebet (Kenya) – 27:55
3. Valentina Gemetto (Italy) – 28:11
4. Idaira Prieto Suárez (Spain) – 28:19
5. Noshim Mandoi Kimuge (Kenya) – 28:33
6. María Ureña Rodenes (Spain) – 28:54
7. Cristina Espejo (Spain) – 29:00
8. Odile Nintije (Burundi) – 29:00
9. Claudia Corral (Spain) – 29:05
10. Marta Pérez Miguel (Spain) – 29:12
11. Raquel de Francisco Fontiñán (Spain) – 29:19
12. Soukaina El Kayami El Komiry (Spain) – 30:18
13. Azucena Díaz Calvo (Spain) – 30:37
14. Claudia Rodríguez Vela (Spain) – 30:44
15. Marta Tomé Gallo (Spain) – 31:46
16. Antía Castro Pérez (Spain) – 31:52
17. Clara Viñarás Oteo (Spain) – 32:14
18. Laura Nuevo Martín (Spain) – 35:18