Kenyans Dominate Sardinia XC Race

Both the men’s and women’s winners were from the East African nation.

John Kipkoech and Prisca Jepleting Cherono, both Kenyans, won the men’s and women’s races in the 36th edition of the International Cross Country race Trofeo Alsport in Alà dei Sardi, a small village in Sardinia last Sunday.

Kipkoech was the 2010 World Junior silver medalist in the 5000m, while Cherono won the silver in the 2007 World Championships (5000m).

The men’s 11K race was hard-fought with Kipkoech breaking the tape in 32 minutes and 11 seconds. He was able to defeat the World Cross-Country silver medalist Paul Tanui at the end.

Thomas Longosiwa took third place in 32:52. Kenya ended up taking the top seven spots in the race.

Stefano La Rosa took ninth place to claim the honor of fastest Italian.He passed rival Daniele Meucci who had been expected to head the Italian contingent in the race.

Meanwhile in the women’s 5.5K event, Cherono defeated Ethiopian rival Gedo Sule Utura by one second, breaking the tape in 17:56. Third place went to Pauline Korikwiang of Kenya.

For More: IAAF