Seville, Spain – Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet and Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo delivered spectacular performances to claim victory at the Cross Internacional de Itálica on Sunday (17). The race, a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting, attracted elite athletes and thrilled fans with its intense competition and high-energy finishes.
Chebet Cruises to a Dominant Win
Beatrice Chebet left no doubt about her superiority in the women’s race. From the outset, the double Olympic champion surged ahead, creating a gap within the first minute of the 8km contest. A chasing pack that included Kazakhstan’s Deisy Jepkemei, Uganda’s Charity Cherop, and Kenya’s Mercy, Diana, and Sharon Chepkemoi struggled to keep pace, while Spain’s Marta García and Carolina Robles, along with Sweden’s Sarah Lahti, trailed a few meters behind.
Chebet completed the opening 2.5km in a swift 7:36, increasing her lead to 12 seconds by the second lap, which she finished in 7:44. Maintaining her strong pace, she clocked 7:42 on the final circuit to cross the finish line in an impressive 23:32, a full 27 seconds ahead of runner-up Jepkemei. Cherop claimed third after holding off a late challenge.
“It’s my third time here, and I’m delighted to finally win,” Chebet said. “It’s been a wonderful experience, especially sharing it with my young compatriots Mercy, Diana, and Sharon Chepkemoi.”
Ndikumwenayo Edges Thrilling Men’s Race
The men’s race began at a more conservative pace, with Morocco’s Younes Kniya taking an early lead, completing the first lap in 7:13. By the fourth kilometer, Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa moved to the front of the pack, heading a competitive group of eight runners that included Olympic silver medallist Berihu Aregawi.
Aregawi briefly gained the lead, but it was Thierry Ndikumwenayo and Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera who took control in the final lap. Ndikumwenayo unleashed a powerful sprint in the last 500 meters, edging out Kwizera for victory. Both runners were timed at 21:24, but Ndikumwenayo was declared the winner. Aregawi secured third place in 21:27, followed by Crippa at 21:32.
“My main goal was to help my club, Playas de Castellón, win the team title,” Ndikumwenayo said. “But I felt strong in the last lap and decided to push for the win.”
This victory adds to Ndikumwenayo’s previous triumph at this event and sets the stage for his preparation for the European Cross Country Championships.
A Spectacular Event in Seville
The Cross Internacional de Itálica once again proved its status as a premier cross-country event, delivering exciting performances and showcasing world-class talent. The breathtaking scenery of the ancient Roman ruins near Seville provided a stunning backdrop for the competition, making it a must-watch event in the athletics calendar.
RESULTS
Men
1 Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) 21:24
2 Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI) 21:24
3 Berihu Aregawi (ETH) 21:27
4 Yemaneberhan Crippa (ITA) 21:32
5 Kenneth Kiprop (UGA) 21:41
6 Adel Mechaal (ESP) 21:42
Women
1 Beatrice Chebet (KEN) 23:32
2 Daisy Jepkemei (KZK) 23:59
3 Charity Cherop (UGA) 24:35
4 Diana Chepkemoi (KEN) 24:38
5 Mercy Chepkemoi (KEN) 24:46
6 Marta García (ESP) 24:50
