Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
12/20/2025
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
13th Annual Christmas Double 15K, Palo Alto 29K, 5K & Bob Anderson Mile
Standout Performances Highlighted a Fun Family Event
The 13th Annual Christmas Double 15K and the accompanying Palo Alto 10k, 5K, and Bob Anderson Mile were held in Palo Alto, California, under excellent racing conditions. Temperatures hovered around 50 degrees, with no wind, on flat out-and-back courses along a mostly paved bike path.
There were only a few standout performances, those efforts were very good and clearly separated themselves on the day.
Double 15K Highlights
The Double 15K follows a unique format: runners first contest a 10K, then return 1 hour and 45 minutes later to run a 5K. The two times are added together to determine final standings, testing both speed and recovery.
First Photo:Andrea Cloarec (Age 33, Woodside, CA) delivered the top performance of the event, winning the Double 15K with:
10K: 32:54
5K: 15:51
Combined Time: 48:45
Cloarec also captured the Double Victory Cup, awarded to the runner with the best age-graded performance in the Double 15K. His combined effort produced an age-graded score of 84.89%.
Additional Highlights
Whitney Trainor-Guitton (Age 46) was the first female finisher in the Double 15K, posting a combined time of 1:03:56.
Third photo: Nelleke Gibson ran 17:40 in the 5K.
In the Bob Anderson Mile (Ages 13 & Under), Charlotte Kenney (Age 12) won in 6:08.
Just 25 minutes after the start of the mile, Charlotte returned to the line for the Palo Alto 5K, where she finished as the second female overall, an impressive double on the day.
A Palo Alto Holiday Tradition
With 321 registered runners, the event once again delivered a fun, family-oriented holiday race. While the number of standout performances was limited, the quality at the top—combined with excellent conditions and strong community participation—made the 13th edition a success.
(12/13/25) Views: 199
Boris Baron
Nadia Battocletti Triumphs at European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa
Italian star returns to the top with commanding senior women’s victory
A Golden Return to Form: Nadia Battocletti of Italy added another chapter to her growing legacy on Sunday in Lagoa, Portugal, powering to victory in the senior women’s race at the European Cross Country Championships. On a demanding, technical course that rewarded strength and patience, Battocletti stopped the clock at 24:52, delivering a performance that combined tactical intelligence with championship composure.
From the opening strides, the pace was honest and the intent clear. The rolling hills, slick footing, and tight turns quickly tested the field. Great Britain’s Megan Keith stayed close to the front, her determination evident with every surge, while Yasemin Can of Turkey—born in Kenya—ran with quiet confidence, conserving energy as the race unfolded. Battocletti remained calm and controlled, matching moves without overreacting as she waited for the right moment.
The Making of a Champion
Battocletti’s win in Lagoa was the product of years of steady progression and resilience. She first announced herself on the European stage as a junior, capturing back-to-back U20 cross country titles—Tilburg 2018 (4.3 km in 13:46) and Lisbon 2019 (13:58). Even then, her sense of rhythm, race awareness, and ability to perform under pressure set her apart.
Her transition to the senior ranks has been seamless. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Battocletti claimed silver in the 10,000 meters in 30:43.35, finishing just behind Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet. One year later, at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, she again pushed Chebet to the limit, earning another silver in 30:38.23 and confirming her status as one of the world’s most consistent distance runners.
In Lagoa, she drew on all that experience. Battocletti controlled the tempo throughout and made her decisive move in the penultimate lap, a gradual acceleration that stretched the field and left her rivals struggling to respond.
Profiles of the Podium Finishers
Megan Keith took silver in 25:07, further cementing her reputation as one of Europe’s rising distance talents. The Scottish runner showed excellent judgment on the technical course, managing her effort and responding to changes in pace with maturity beyond her years. Her performance suggests bigger podiums may not be far away.
Yasemin Can finished third in 25:13, adding another medal to an already distinguished career. A multiple European champion on track and cross country, Can’s experience and strength were evident as she stayed in contention through the final lap before securing bronze.
Just off the podium, Belgium showcased impressive depth with Jana Van Lent in fourth (25:24), Lisa Rooms fifth (25:34), and Chloé Herbiet seventh (25:43). The Netherlands’ Amina Maatoug placed sixth (25:36), while Germany’s Elena Burkard (8th), Sweden’s Sarah Lahti (9th), and Ireland’s Fiona Everard (10th) completed a highly competitive top ten.
Tactical Brilliance on a Demanding Course
The Lagoa course added a dramatic dimension to the race. Its undulating terrain and narrow turns demanded constant focus and adaptability. Battocletti’s tactical sense stood out as she gradually increased the pressure, forcing her rivals into difficult decisions before unleashing a finishing push that settled the race.
By the final straight, her victory was beyond doubt. Battocletti crossed the line with a composed smile, while Keith and Can battled fiercely behind her, delivering a thrilling conclusion for spectators lining the course.
Looking Ahead
Battocletti’s victory in Lagoa reinforces her position as one of Europe’s premier long-distance athletes. With Olympic and world silver medals already to her name, this European cross country gold completes a remarkable arc from junior standout to senior champion.
Keith and Can also made powerful statements, and their performances hint at compelling rivalries in the seasons ahead. As winter training continues and the global calendar turns toward major championships, the senior women’s distance scene in Europe looks stronger—and more exciting—than ever.
European Cross Country Championships 2025
Senior Women – Top 10
1. Nadia Battocletti (Italy) – 24:52
2. Megan Keith (Great Britain) – 25:07
3. Yasemin Can (Türkiye) – 25:13
4. Jana Van Lent (Belgium) – 25:24
5. Lisa Rooms (Belgium) – 25:34
6. Amina Maatoug (Netherlands) – 25:36
7. Chloé Herbiet (Belgium) – 25:43
8. Elena Burkard (Germany) – 25:45
9. Sarah Lahti (Sweden) – 25:48
10. Fiona Everard (Ireland) – 25:54
(12/14/25) Views: 190Robert Kibet for My Best Runs
Fitzgerald Completes Historic U20 Hat-Trick as Lagoa’s Brutal Course Breaks the Field
Innes Fitzgerald dominates European Cross Country Championships, while Ireland claims a breakthrough medal
A Course Built to Punish, A Champion Built to Endure
The European Cross Country Championships delivered both spectacle and separation in Lagoa, Portugal, where Great Britain’s Innes Fitzgerald stormed to a historic third consecutive victory in the women’s Under-20 race on one of the most demanding courses the event has seen in recent years.
Set on a punishing 4.45km loop carved into the Algarve terrain, the course offered little rhythm. Sharp divots, twisting turns, and short but unforgiving climbs forced constant adjustment, rewarding strength, patience, and race intelligence. Commentators noted it was a circuit suited to steeplechasers and mountain runners—and from the opening strides, it shaped the race.
Early Aggression Tests the Field
Germany’s Julia Ehrle, a world mountain running champion, set the tone with an aggressive surge in the opening kilometre, immediately stretching the field. Several athletes attempted to respond, but the cost was clear early on as runners throughout the top 20 were already operating on the edge.
Fitzgerald, however, remained calm.
By the end of the first lap, the British teenager had moved decisively to the front, opening daylight behind her. Gaps widened quickly as she increased the tempo, forcing an early reckoning. Spain briefly led the team standings after one lap, but the individual contest was already tilting firmly in Fitzgerald’s favor.
Control Through Chao
There was no relief from the terrain. Turf laid specifically for the championships softened the ground but added unpredictability, with awkward divots repeatedly disrupting stride patterns. Ehrle, so fluent early, began to lose momentum as a coordinated chase pack formed behind her.
Midway through the race, Fitzgerald’s lead had grown beyond 13 seconds. Her expression told a story of controlled suffering—this was no cruise. Commentators reflected on her evolution as a championship racer, recalling earlier setbacks before she refined her front-running approach through successive wins in Brussels and Antalya.
This time, experience guided aggression.
The Race Ignites Behind the Leader
As the bell signaled the final lap, Fitzgerald’s advantage had stretched to 24 seconds, placing her on course for the largest winning margin ever recorded in the women’s U20 race.
Behind her, the medal fight erupted.
Ireland’s Anna Gardiner and Emma Hickey surged together with impeccable timing, their patient approach paying dividends as others faltered. France’s Lucie Paturel—whose modest track credentials masked exceptional endurance—moved smoothly through the field, judging her effort to perfection.
Those who attacked early paid the price. Those who waited were rewarded.
A Champion Alone at the Front
At the front, Fitzgerald ran alone—visibly exhausted, yet relentless. With a kilometre remaining, her lead had surpassed 30 seconds, a staggering margin in a race lasting just over 14 minutes.
As she entered the finishing straight, she raised three fingers in celebration, joining Steph Twell as the only athlete to win three European U20 cross country titles. Fitzgerald crossed the line in 14:35, collapsing moments later after an all-out effort.
Breakthroughs and Team Drama
Thirty seconds later, Paturel claimed a superb silver medal, while Hickey secured bronze—Ireland’s first-ever individual medal in this category—following a courageous, perfectly paced run.
The drama continued in the team standings, where every position mattered. Athletes sprinted through exhaustion on the finishing straight, and when the unofficial scores were confirmed, Great Britain emerged team champions with 33 points, ahead of Spain (38) and Sweden (43), underlining the depth behind Fitzgerald’s brilliance.
Germany’s Ehrle, whose bold opening gambit shaped the race, finished tenth—her ambition acknowledged even as it proved unsustainable.
The End of an Era, The Start of Anothe
For Fitzgerald, this was more than a victory. It marked the end of her Under-20 career. Already a senior international, a European record-holder on the track, and a proven championship racer across disciplines, she leaves the junior ranks having redefined them
For three years, the question in this race has remained the same: who dares to go with Innes Fitzgerald—and who can survive it?
In Lagoa, once again, there was only one answer.
Women’s U20 – Top 10 Results
European Cross Country Championships, Lagoa, Portugal
1. Innes Fitzgerald (Great Britain) – 14:35
2. Lucie Paturel (France) – 15:07
3. Emma Hickey (Ireland) – 15:10
4. Carmen Cernjul (Sweden) – 15:14
5. Edibe Yağız (Türkiye) – 15:15
6. Anna Gardiner (Ireland) – 15:17
7. Fanny Szalkai (Sweden) – 15:21
8. Evi Falkena (Netherlands) – 15:23
9. Shirin Kerber (Switzerland) – 15:25
10. Julia Ehrle (Germany) – 15:29
(12/14/25) Views: 188Robert Kibet for My Best Runs
Sinclaire Johnson Breaks American Road Mile Record at Kalakaua Merrie Mile
Thousands of runners lined Kalakaua Avenue on Saturday morning as Waikiki hosted the annual Kalakaua Merrie Mile, the traditional appetizer ahead of Sunday’s Honolulu Marathon.
The one-mile dash delivered a historic moment when American middle-distance standout Sinclaire Johnson surged to a winning time of 4:21, breaking the American road mile record in the heart of Waikiki.
“It’s really special—I think I shocked myself today,” Johnson said after the race. “I thought maybe I could run in the 4:24 range, but to run 4:21 and get the American record is a testament to believing in myself and the work I’ve put in.”
A former NCAA 1,500-meter champion at Oklahoma State, Johnson has competed on some of the sport’s biggest stages, yet she said this race stands out.
“The conditions are great—it’s sunny, there’s a little breeze, and something about the Hawaiian air just feels different,” she said. “This race is one of my favorites.”
Finishing just behind Johnson was Nikki Hiltz, last year’s winner, as part of a strong elite field that included 12 Olympians competing in Saturday’s race.
For many participants, the opportunity to share the course—and later watch world-class athletes up close—was part of the magic.
“That would be really cool if we could see them,” said Kenai Nacapui. “They just either won or came from the Olympics.”
Oliver Cheng added, “It’s really fun to see Olympians because compared to us, they run way faster.”
Maui resident Mary Trotto said the elite race never fails to amaze her. “You have to see them—it’s unbelievable. In like two minutes, they’re already at the turnaround. It just blows your mind.”
Trotto says the Merrie Mile has become a tradition worth traveling for. “Ever since they added the mile as part of the marathon weekend, I’ve done every one,” she said. “I’ll keep flying over from Maui.”
With record-setting speed, a festive crowd, and Honolulu Marathon weekend officially underway, the Kalakaua Merrie Mile once again delivered a memorable start to one of running’s most iconic race weekends.
(12/14/25) Views: 141Boris Baron
KATA Thika Hosts 51st Monthly Time Trial as Youth and Experience Deliver Strong Performances
The 51st KATA Monthly Time Trial was held today in Thika, Kenya, continuing a tradition that has become a cornerstone of athlete development at the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA).
With competitive fields in the 5K and 10K for both men and women, today’s time trial highlighted emerging junior talent alongside experienced runners, reinforcing KATA’s depth across age groups.
Men’s 10K: John Chege Powers to Solo Victory
The men’s 10K saw John Chege (21, Bib 042) take control early and push on alone for much of the race, stopping the clock at 29:49 for a convincing win. Chege said afterward that he felt ready to run under 29 minutes, but acknowledged how difficult it was to maintain pace without company.
Stephen Ngigi (22, Bib 061) claimed second place in 30:04, followed by Raphael Karita (26, Bib 043) in 30:22.
Men’s 10K Results
1. John Chege (21, 042) – 29:49
2. Stephen Ngigi (22, 061) – 30:04
3. Raphael Karita (26, 043) – 30:22
4. Bernard Waweru (40, 041) – 30:38
5. Erick Mutuku (23, 040) – 30:39
6. Kristian Muthini (29, 074) – 31:57
7. Charles Ndirangu (24, 031) – 32:26
8. Erick Cheruiyot (30, 032) – 32:32
9. Fredrick Wambua (20, 073) – 32:56
10. Ismael Mburu (25, 036) – 33:31
11. Joseph Wanjiru (40, 064) – 34:12
12. John Wekesa (29, 045) – 34:27
13. Joseph Nyota (20, 035) – 35:05
14. Paul Ng’ang’a (43, 039) – 35:44
15. Joel Maina (40, 062) – 35:56
16. Kelvin Waiganjo (29, 065) – 43:23
Women’s 10K: Susan Njuu Leads, Chepkemoi Sets PB
In the women’s 10K, Susan Njuu (40, Bib 058) took the win in 35:58, showing strength and consistency throughout the race.
She was followed closely by Caren Chepkemoi (24, Bib 059), who ran a personal best of 36:12, taking more than 30 seconds off her previous mark. Naomi Wambui (40, Bib 057) completed the podium in 36:44.
Women’s 10K Results
1. Susan Njuu (40, 058) – 35:58
2. Caren Chepkemoi (24, 059) – 36:12 (PB)
3. Naomi Wambui (40, 057) – 36:44
4. Ruth Maina (23, 055) – 38:46
5. Mary Wangari (34, 077) – 39:32
6. Regina Sandiki (19, 048) – 40:22
7. Faith Mutua (16, 052) – 44:38
Men’s 5K: Teenagers Set the Pace
The men’s 5K belonged to Robin Musa (17, Bib 072), who delivered an impressive performance to win in 15:46. Close behind was Justus Nyamai (18, Bib 037) in 15:51, with Kelvin Mutunga (19, Bib 053) taking third in 16:34.
Men’s 5K Results
1. Robin Musa (17, 072) – 15:46
2. Justus Nyamai (18, 037) – 15:51
3. Kelvin Mutunga (19, 053) – 16:34
4. James Wahome (16, 033) – 16:48
5. Timothy Juma (20, 046) – 17:25
6. Erick Mwaura (18, 038) – 17:33
7. Samuel Maingi (14, 045) – 17:39
8. John Nzioka (16, 071) – 20:40
9. Ryan Kiarie (17, 075) – 23:28
Women’s 5K: Macharia Returns Strong Despite Injury
Despite nursing an injury, Ruth Macharia (27, Bib 056) topped the women’s 5K field, winning in 20:44.
She was followed by Irene Kameme (12, Bib 050), who impressed with a 21:50 run, while Assumpta Mwende (17, Bib 051) placed third in 22:08.
Women’s 5K Results
1. Ruth Macharia (27, 056) – 20:44
2. Irene Kameme (12, 050) – 21:50
3. Assumpta Mwende (17, 051) – 22:08
4. Winfred Munini (17, 047) – 22:26
5. Agnes Kavuu (13, 049) – 23:27
6. Catherine Waithera (22, 063) – 23:21
Consistency Builds Champions
Now 51 editions strong, the KATA Monthly Time Trial remains a vital proving ground for athletes across Kenya. Held today under competitive conditions, the event once again demonstrated how regular racing, honest competition, and a supportive training environment continue to produce measurable progress.
(12/17/25) Views: 121Boris Baron
Vitalis Kibiwott Shatters Turkish Allcomers’ Record at Mersin Marathon
Vitalis Kibiwott delivered the breakthrough performance of his career on Sunday, storming to victory at the Mersin Marathon and smashing the Turkish Allcomers’ record. The 27-year-old Kenyan clocked a stunning personal best of 2:07:14, improving both the national mark and the course record by nearly a minute.
In the women’s race, pre-race favorite Rebecca Tanui of Kenya lived up to expectations, winning convincingly in 2:25:35 under excellent weather conditions. The Mersin Marathon holds World Athletics Elite Label status.
Still relatively unknown on the international marathon calendar, the Mersin Marathon is held in the major port city of Mersin, located on Türkiye’s southeastern Mediterranean coast and home to just over one million people. The seventh edition of the race attracted just over 400 marathon runners, alongside approximately 2,000 participants in the non-elite 10K. Despite its modest field size, the event has steadily built a reputation for fast times on its flat, out-and-back course.
The headline name on the men’s start list was Ghirmay Gebreslassie, Eritrea’s 2015 world champion. However, the 30-year-old was forced to drop out at 18 kilometers after developing a hamstring problem. That opened the door for a surprise turn of events, as his 18-year-old brother Abraham Embaye boldly took control of the race, passing halfway in 63:52.
Embaye remained in front deep into the race, but with just over five kilometers to go, experience prevailed. Kibiwott steadily closed the gap before moving past the young Eritrean, followed shortly by fellow Kenyan Albert Kangogo. Embaye fought on gamely to secure third place in 2:08:29.
Kibiwott finished powerfully to claim the win in 2:07:14, slicing 59 seconds off the Turkish Allcomers’ record. A year earlier, Kenyan Bethwell Kipkemboi had won in 2:08:13. Coming into the race with a personal best of 2:11:08, Kibiwott had been ranked only 11th on the start list—making his near four-minute improvement all the more remarkable.
“My training was very good, so I was expecting to run sub-2:08 and fulfilled my expectations,” said Kibiwott. “The young Eritrean was far ahead early, but I didn’t hurry. I felt strong at the end and made my move. The Mersin Marathon has a completely flat and very fast course.”
Women’s Race
Rebecca Tanui took command of the women’s race early and reached halfway in 72:30, closely shadowed by Ethiopia’s Genet Robi. The two remained together until around the 30-kilometer mark, where Tanui gradually pulled clear to secure a decisive victory.
While the course record of 2:23:08 remained intact, Tanui’s 2:25:35 was the fastest women’s marathon time run in Türkiye this year. The 33-year-old continues to show impressive consistency at the distance, following her victory at the 2023 Košice Marathon (PB 2:21:08) and a runner-up finish at this spring’s Vienna City Marathon.
Results
Men
1. Vitalis Kibiwott (KEN) – 2:07:14
2. Albert Kangogo (KEN) – 2:07:26
3. Abraham Embaye (ERI) – 2:08:29
4. Samuel Naibei (KEN) – 2:08:59
5. Abebaw Desalew (ETH) – 2:09:14
6. Isaac Kibet (UGA) – 2:10:19
Women
1. Rebecca Tanui (KEN) – 2:25:35
2. Genet Robi (ETH) – 2:26:07
3. Peninah Jerop (KEN) – 2:30:52
4. Millicent Kibet (KEN) – 2:31:05
5. Letebrhan Gebreslasea (ETH) – 2:35:35
(12/14/25) Views: 115Race News Service
How One Tribe in Kenya Came to Dominate Global Distance Running
There may be no statistic in all of sports more astonishing than this one.
The Kalenjin, an ethnic group—often referred to as a tribe—in Kenya, make up about 13.4% of the country’s population, roughly 6.3 million people. On a global scale, they represent about one out of every 1,000 people worldwide.
Yet this small community has produced an overwhelming share of the world’s greatest distance runners.
Their dominance has been so complete, and so sustained, that it has been described as “the greatest geographical concentration of achievement in the annals of sport.” And it is hard to argue otherwise.
From the Rift Valley to the World Stage
Most elite Kalenjin runners come from Kenya’s Rift Valley region, particularly areas such as Nandi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Baringo, where elevations range from 2,000 to 2,400 meters (6,500–8,000 feet) above sea level.
Here, running is not a hobby—it is part of daily life.
Children grow up walking and running long distances, often on dirt roads. Training at altitude is the norm, not a strategy. And success stories are local and visible, creating a powerful cycle of belief and opportunity.
Champions Across Eras
The Kalenjin impact on global athletics stretches back more than half a century.
Kipchoge Keino, one of the pioneers of Kenyan distance running, won Olympic gold in the 1500 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Games and the 3000-meter steeplechase in 1972, helping place Kenyan runners on the world map.
Since then, Kenyan athletes—many of them Kalenjin—have dominated:
• The 3000-meter steeplechase, winning Olympic gold in nearly every Games since 1968
• The 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters at World Championships
• The marathon, particularly at the World Marathon Majors
Masters of the Marathon
Perhaps nowhere is this dominance more visible than in the marathon.
Kalenjin runners have repeatedly won and controlled races such as:
• Berlin Marathon
• London Marathon
• Chicago Marathon
• Boston Marathon
• New York City Marathon
These victories are not isolated moments—they are part of a long, uninterrupted pattern.
At the center of it all stands Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner in history. A member of the Kalenjin community, Kipchoge has:
• Won two Olympic marathon gold medals (2016, 2021)
• Set a world record of 2:01:09 at the Berlin Marathon
• Become the first human to run 26.2 miles in under two hours
He is not an exception. He is the most refined expression of a system that has been producing champions for generations.
Why This One Tribe?
No single explanation tells the whole story, but several factors come together in the Rift Valley:
• Geography: High altitude, rolling terrain, and ideal training conditions
• Physiology: Exceptional running economy and efficient biomechanics
• Culture: Running as a respected path to success and opportunity
• Environment: Group training, competition, and long-term development from a young age
Together, these elements have created something unmatched in sport.
A Phenomenon Without Parallel
Great athletes come from everywhere. But nowhere else has such a small, specific populationproduced such sustained global dominance across events, generations, and decades.
Not sprinting.
Not swimming.
Not cycling.
Not soccer.
Only distance running.
From the highland paths of the Rift Valley to Olympic podiums and marathon finish lines around the world, the story of the Kalenjin remains one of the most extraordinary achievements in human performance.
And it is still being written.
(12/15/25) Views: 113Boris Baron
Ndikumwenayo Stuns Gressier in Thrilling Senior Men’s Cross Country Duel at Lagoa
Thierry Ndikumwenayo delivered one of the standout performances of the cross-country season, outkicking France’s world 10,000 m champion Jimmy Gressier to win the senior men’s title at the 31st SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa, Portugal.
In a race defined by tactics and grit, the Spaniard stopped the clock at 22:05 over the demanding 7.47 km course, finishing just three seconds ahead of Gressier after a dramatic sprint to the line.
From the opening meters, the course—featuring rolling terrain, sandy stretches, and sharp turns—began to thin the field. By the midpoint, Ndikumwenayo and Gressier had broken clear, forming a two-man lead group that quickly established control. The pair matched each other stride for stride, trading subtle surges while keeping the chasers at bay.
Gressier, 28, arrived in Lagoa riding the momentum of a remarkable 2025 season that included a world title over 10,000 m in Tokyo, European half-marathon gold, and European indoor records at 5,000 m. A European cross-country crown would have capped a year that showcased his range across track, road, and grass.
Ndikumwenayo had other plans. Born in Burundi in 1997 and now racing for Spain, he has steadily evolved into one of Europe’s most complete distance runners. After taking bronze at last year’s championships in Antalya, he arrived in Portugal sharper, stronger, and ready to challenge for gold.
The decisive moment came on the final bend. Gressier, preparing to unleash his trademark finishing kick, briefly lost his footing—just enough hesitation for Ndikumwenayo to strike. The Spaniard surged decisively and held on through the line, sealing a memorable victory in one of the closest finishes of the championships.
Behind the front two, Switzerland’s Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu claimed bronze in 22:23 after a hard-fought battle, edging Great Britain’s Scott Beattie, who finished fourth in the same time. Ireland’s Jack O’Leary took fifth in 22:25, playing a key role in Ireland securing its first senior men’s team medal at these championships in 25 years.
Spain’s dominance was underlined by strong supporting runs from Abdessamad Oukhelfen (6th) and Aarón Las Heras (9th), giving the nation a comfortable team title and confirming its depth in European cross-country.
Top 10 – Senior Men’s Cross Country
1. Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) — 22:05
2. Jimmy Gressier (FRA) — 22:08
3. Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu (SUI) — 22:23
4. Scott Beattie (GBR) — 22:23
5. Jack O’Leary (IRL) — 22:25
6. Abdessamad Oukhelfen (ESP) — 22:27
7. Ruben Querinjean (LUX) — 22:28
8. Simon Sundström (SWE) — 22:29
9. Aarón Las Heras (ESP) — 22:30
10. Brian Fay (IRL) — 22:31
Ndikumwenayo’s victory in Lagoa was about more than a narrow margin. It marked the arrival of a runner fully in command of his craft—strong, patient, and fearless when it mattered most. On a course that rewarded toughness and timing, he delivered both, producing one of the defining moments of the 2025 European cross-country season.
(12/16/25) Views: 88Robert Kibet for My Best Runs
Tough Conditions but Strong Performances at KATA (07) Salgaa–Rongai Time Trial
The fourth KATA (07) Time Trial was held today on the Salgaa–Rongai route, with Camp ID KATA (07) under the direction of operator Amos Chirchir, based in Sachangwan, Kenya.
Athletes were tested by a demanding environment, yet still delivered solid performances and personal bests. Conditions at race time included:
• Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
• Humidity: 71%
• Wind: 4 mph from the south
• UV Index: 4.9
Despite these factors, the field responded with determination and competitive depth.
Men’s 10K: Kirui Controls the Race on Home Roads
The men’s 10K was dominated by Robert Kirui (23, Bib 010), who hails from the Salgaa–Rongai area and trains regularly on the route. Kirui controlled the race from the front, stopping the clock at 30:45
Weldon Langat (19, Bib 001) finished second in 30:53, drawing on his experience despite managing a minor arch injury in recent weeks. Emmanuel Bor (24, Bib 026) completed the podium in 31:15.
Men’s 10K Results
1. Robert Kirui (23, 010) – 30:45
2. Weldon Langat (19, 001) – 30:53
3. Emmanuel Bor (24, 026) – 31:15
4. Kelvin Kipngetich (18, 023) – 32:28
5. Ronald Cheruiyot (25, 022) – 32:49
6. Bernard Kiptum (19, 002) – 34:50
7. Lameck Mokua (35, 021) – 35:04
8. Samuel Sang (35, 019) – 36:10
9. Mark Kibet (18, 008) – 36:34
10. Gedion Rotich (20, 014) – 37:04
Women’s 5K: Wambui Leads Under Testing Conditions
In the women’s 5K, Elizabeth Wambui (20, Bib 016) delivered the top performance of the day, winning in a fast 17:42 despite the challenging conditions.
Ida Chepkorir (16, Bib 005) followed in 19:54, continuing to gain valuable racing experience.
Women’s 5K Results
1. Elizabeth Wambui (20, 016) – 17:42
2. Ida Chepkorir (16, 005) – 19:54
Building Resilience Through Racing
With four time trials now completed at KATA (07), the Salgaa–Rongai route continues to serve as an effective proving ground. Harsh conditions, honest courses, and regular competition remain central to the KATA model—developing not only speed, but resilience and race intelligence.
(12/17/25) Views: 85Boris Baron
