Belgrade, Serbia | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda’s long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo on Saturday won the 45th edition of World cross country in Belgrade, Serbia.
Maintaining his second consecutive title at the event, Kiplimo secured the 10km race victory in 28 minutes and 09 seconds, and was followed by Berihu Aregawi from Ethiopia who crossed the finishing line in 28 minutes and 12 seconds. Kenya’s Nicholas, came third in 28 minutes and 14 seconds. The Double 10,000 and 5000 meters world record holder Joshua Cheptegei secured sixth position.
Kiplimo in the last 1 kilometer outpaced his opponents as he sprinted alone up to the finishing victory line.
“Although it wasn’t an easy competition, I want thank God for his Grace and also my coaches for designing for me a perfect training program that kept me in shape,” Kiplimo said.
He attributed his performance to the teammates like Cheptegei and others for a great team spirit executed in the game. “Without them, my victory was at stake”. He noted.
Dominic Otuchet, the President Uganda athletics Federation (UAF) attributes the great performance from Kiplimo to handwork and team spirit. “As we earlier on anticipated, the results have proofed positive and now Kiplimo’s win is an inspiration to the mushrooming cross country hopes. “Said Otuchet.
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CONG’S TO JACOB KIPLIMO AND JOSHUA CHEPTEGEI