Kenyan Athletes Rule World Cross Country Championships

Posted by: Watch Athletics


Kenyans dominated the 2017 World cross country championships on Sunday, March 26 in Ugandan Capital. 

Geoffrey Kamworor defended his men's title, Irene Cheptai led a historic cleansweep in the women's race and Asbel Kiprop helped to win mixed relay. 

Kamwowor showed his talent as he came from 12 seconds down on the bell lap to overcome a courageous effort by Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei. 

Joshua Cheptegei had the lead for most of the race, however the drama came as he collapsed in the final lap, not far from the finish, but managed to stand up and with lots of difficulty crossed the line in 30th place.

Meanwhile Kamworor won the race beating Kenyan cross country champion Leonard Barsoton into second place and Ethiopia's Abadi Hadis into third place.

 "From the start of the race I was really focused. I knew there were a lot of Kenyans who traveled overnight and I didn't want to disappoint them." Kamworor told reporters after the race.

Kenya women proved to be powerhouse in cross country as they took top 6 places with Irene Cheptai, (7th in previous world championships), winning the world cross country title.

"The course was very tough," Cheptai said. 

"We didn't think it was possible to get one through six but we cooperate as Kenyans." Cheptai added. 

Defending champion Agnes Tirop took 5th while Olympic 1 500m champion Faith Kipyegon placed 6th.

World 1500m champion, Asbel Kiprop, helped his team to win the mixed 4x2km relay. The mixed relay was held for the first time in history of World cross country championships.

See full results here.

Latest News
©2024 WATCHATHLETICS.COM. All rights reserved.