Hillary Chepkwony triumphs at Cross Internacional de Soria

Hillary Chepkwony outclassed a strong contingent to emerge triumphant in the fifth Gold level meeting of this season’s World Athletics Cross Country Tour; Cross Internacional de Soria held in Soria, Spain, on Sunday 19.

Prior to running in Spain, the youngster had showcased immense talent on his international racing debut, winning the Venlo Half Marathon in March in 59:20. As if not enough, the 24-year-old recently improved to 58:53 in Valencia, just a few weeks after pacing Eliud Kipchoge to victory at the Berlin Marathon.

Following his promising cross-country debut in Seville last weekend where he came in second after running in 29:09, Chepkwony was in the hunt for his first victory on that surface on Sunday.

He crossed the mark in 25:34, steps behind Rodrigue Kwizera from Burundi who claimed the first position after crossing the line at a similar time. The race had thrilling sprint finishes and the winners prevailed by the narrowest of margins.

Spaniard Ouassim Oumaiz finished the podium in 25:40, ahead of Ugandan Martin Kiprotich. Filmon Kibron of Eritrea wrapped up the best five after running in 25:41. Kenyan Peter Kariuki finished placed sixth-in 26:00.

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Meanwhile, reigning world 3,000m steeplechase world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech claimed top honors at the Zevenheuvelenloop 15km race in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

Chepkoech initially settled into a slow pace, before gaining momentum and running alone for the majority of the race. She was the first to cross the finish line in 47.12 minutes.

Her nearest rival, Israeli Lonah Salpeter, who was born in Kenya, came in second in 47.55.

Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda, who tied the world record for 15 kilometers, dominated the men's competition in 41:05.

Cross Internacional de Soria men's results

1 Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI) 25:34

2 Hillary Chepkwony (KEN) 25:34

3 Ouassim Oumaiz (ESP) 25:40

4 Martin Kiprotich (UGA) 25:40

5 Filmon Kibrom (ERI) 25:41

6 Peter Kariuki (KEN) 26:00

7 Nassim Hassaous (ESP) 26:04

8 Sergio Paniagua (ESP) 26:04

9 Fernando Carro (ESP) 26:11

10 Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) 26:12