Indefatigable Sifan Hassan set for World Cross debut in Belgrade

Just what is Sifan Hassan's range? Can she rule cross country as she has done in track and road racing? 

The reigning London and Chicago Marathon champion who finished fourth in the Tokyo Marathon on March 3, will be in action at the upcoming World Cross Country Championships set for 30 March in Belgrade. 

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A 2:13:18 runner who clocked 2:18:05 in her latest outing to miss out on bronze, despite running back to retrieve a missed water bottle at 25km, is set to ruffle some feathers in Belgrade.

While making the announcement for her debut, World Athletics did not provide details of her preferred distance at the global event that has both team and individual races. 

If she elects to compete in the senior women’s race, Hassan brings the fight for gold right to Kenya's doorstep seeing as Beatrice Chebet is expected to head out to the Serbian capital with hopes of back-to-back titles.

Her ability to challenge for gold despite this being her debut is not in doubt as she has previously shocked the world when she ran her debut marathon in London while fasting, stopped twice to stretch her foot and hip and still managed to win the race.

The 31-year-old world champion has earned two Olympic gold and one bronze medal, won two gold, one silver, and three bronze medals at the world championships, and is chasing up another global medal. 

She also has a medal of each colour at the World Indoor Championships.

Her speed has been remarkably consistent from the 800-m distance (1:56.81) to the 10,000m (29:06.82) on the track and even better on the roads with her three marathon performances. Her half-marathon best is 1:05:15.