In the first ever mixed relay at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, Kenya claimed the win.
Taking place in in Kampala, Uganda, the Kenya team, that included 1500m world champion Asbel Kiprop led from the start. The world champion, who ran the first leg, impressively established an ever increasing gap over his fellow athletes.
Winfred Nzisa Mbithe, and Bernard Kipkorir Koros maintained that gap in the second and third relay legs respectively.
Going into the final leg, the Kenyan team handed off to Beatrice Chepkoech, who had the task to charge home over the final 2K.
However she was up against Ethiopia’s 1500m world champion Genzebe Dibaba, and as anticipated, Dibaba chased Chepkoech down, but the Kenyan anchor kept her cool to bring home the win for a delighted Kenyan team.
Podium places:
1st place: Kenya – time: 22:22
2nd Ethiopia – time: 22:30
3rd Turkey – 22:37.
Other notable final placing:
USA’s team of Cory Leslie, Marisa Howard, Paul Chelimo, and Eleanor Fulton, finished in 7th place with a time of 24:08.