On Sunday in Soria, Spain, Rodrigue Kwizera from Burundi and Kenya’s Mercy Chepkemoi emerged victorious in the 30th Cross Internacional de Soria, the fourth Gold-level competition in this season’s World Athletics Cross Country Tour.
Set at a challenging 1,100-meter altitude, the event tested endurance and tactics, with both champions navigating the high-altitude course to claim impressive wins.
In the men’s 8km race, 25-year-old Kwizera secured his third title at Soria, joining Uganda’s Timothy Toroitich as the only athletes to reach this milestone. Kwizera’s experience showed as he bided his time early on before asserting his dominance in the final lap.
He gradually moved from a mid-pack position, eventually pushing past competitors with a powerful closing lap. Clocking 23:47, Kwizera crossed the finish line nine seconds ahead of Ethiopia’s Ayele Tadesse, who took second. Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang of Kenya claimed third after a neck-and-neck finish with Wegene Addisu.
“It was a demanding race, especially at this altitude, but I stayed calm, paced myself well, and pushed when it mattered,” said Kwizera, who plans to race next at the Italica Gold meeting.
The women’s 8km race also delivered excitement, with 19-year-old Mercy Chepkemoi marking her debut on Spanish soil with a confident victory.
After a controlled start, Chepkemoi moved to the front of the pack midway through the race. Alongside Burundi’s Francine Niyomukunzi, she increased her pace in the final stages.
With 600 meters remaining, Chepkemoi broke away from her rivals, ultimately crossing the finish line in 26:48, seven seconds ahead of Niyomukunzi. Diana Chepkemoi of Kenya took third, securing her spot 23 seconds behind the winner.
Reflecting on her European debut win, Chepkemoi shared, “The course was tough, especially with the hills, but I’m thrilled with this win. Competing at a Gold-level event like Soria and coming out on top is a huge achievement.”
