Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet led compatriots to clean podium sweep at the 2022 Cross Internacional de Atapuerca staged in Spain on Sunday night, November 13, 2022.
The 22-year-old, who won a Commonwealth Games gold medal earlier this year overcame a star studded field to cross the finishing line in 25.29 ahead of Purity Chepkirui and Lucy Mawia.
Chepkirui produced a brilliant kick to outpace Mawia in the final meters and settle for a second-place position. She clocked 25.52 ahead of the latter who reached the tape in 25.52.
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Ugandan representative Peruth Chemutai pulled out of the race at the eleventh hour due to sickness. The reigning 3,000m Olympic Champion was one of the race favorites.
Chebet, who is seeking to replace Hellen Obiri in middle distance races, used the competition to prepare for the upcoming 2023 World Cross Country Championship to be staged in Bathurst, Australia on February 18.
In the men’s category, Kenyan men failed to impress as the title went to Burundian international Thierry Ndikumwenayo.
Ndikumwenayo crossed the finishing line in 27.58 ahead of Kenya’s Levy Kibet who clocked 27.59.
Speaking after the race, Thierry revealed that he was assertive of clinching the title at the earlier stages.
“I felt great throughout the race, that's why I attacked with one lap still to go.
“Even being caught by Kibet, I was confident of my victory. I'll race next at the XL Cross Internacional de Italica on Sunday,” he told World Athletics.
Another Burundian runner, Rodrique Kwizera settled for a third-place position in 28.02.
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