Edinah Jebitok defies tough freezing conditions to claim third Gold-level victory

World Athletics

ATHLETICS Edinah Jebitok defies tough freezing conditions to claim third Gold-level victory

Abigael Wafula 10:30 - 22.01.2024

Edinah Jebitok is slowly proving to be the queen of cross-country owing to her dominant display in the freezing conditions to claim her third Gold-level victory at the Energyvision CrossCup Hannut.

Edinah Jebitok beat the freezing conditions in Hannut to reign supreme and claim her third Gold-level victory in this season’s World Athletics Cross Country Tour Energyvision CrossCup Hannut on Sunday, January 21.

Jebitok proved to be in a class of her own as she cut the tape in 31:01 ahead of compatriot Pamela Kosgei who crossed the finish line 39 seconds later. Great Britain’s Megan Keith completed the podium in 31:48.

Jebitok did not seem to be affected by the snow that was covering the 9km course. Kosgei and Faith Chepkoech did their best to stay with her in the first kilometre, but Jebitok soon made a break from her opponents and set off on a solo run.

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Kosgei held on to second place throughout, but Britain’s Megan Keith reeled in Chepkoech after 20 minutes to move into third place.

Jebitok was away and clear and crossed the line in 31:01 with Kosgei following and was a comfortable runner-up in 31:40, eight seconds clear of Keith. Chepkoech placed fourth in 32:34.

Meanwhile, in the men’s race, a five-man pack emerged on the first lap comprising Yves Nimubona, Mebrahtu, Kibet Kandie, Guillaume Grimard, and Rogers Kibet.

At the halfway point, Nimubona, Mebrahtu, and Kandie had broken away to form a lead trio. Further back, Urugray’s Santiago Catroffe had moved past Grimard into fourth place.

With 22 minutes on the clock, Mebrahtu moved into lead. Kandie had dropped back by this point, but Nimubona stayed on Mebrahtu’s shoulder.

At the bell, Kandie was no longer in contention for victory but still had a comfortable lead over the rest of the field. With less than two minutes of running remaining, Nimubona regained the lead. Mebrahtu stayed close behind, but Nimubona kicked once the finish line was in sight and won in 28:29.

Mebrahtu finished one second behind, while Kandie took third place in 28:42, just holding off a fast-finishing Catroffe by one second.

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