Jacob Kiplimo Enters the History Books with Third Consecutive World Cross Country Title

Jacob Kiplimo secured his third successive title in the men’s senior race at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday, January 10.

The Uganda star claimed his first medal in Bathurst, Australia 2023 before successfully defending his title at the 2024 edition in Belgrade, Serbia.

Going into the race, Jacob Kiplimo was a favourite to dominate and has already been named as one of the defining cross-country runners of this era.

Jacob Kiplimo knew a victory would make him just the fourth man in history to win three successive world cross-country titles, and join John Ngugi, Paul Tergat and Kenenisa Bekele in the coveted category.

World Athletics Cross Country Championships: Men’s Senior Race

The men’s race started on a softer momentum, with American Wesley Kiptoo communicating his ambitions as he surged to the front.

Dan Kibet of Uganda was also running in the front as the men passed the 1km mark. Australia’s Ky Robinson, also in the lead, was hoping to replicate what the mixed relay squad had achieved.

Defending champion Jacob Kiplimo was running in the middle of the pack as they passed the 2km mark, looking unbothered and to have settled in well.

Wesley Kiptoo was still leading the way, passing the 3km mark, with Jacob Kiplimo still being very patient in the middle of the pack.

Passing the 4km mark, Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku took charge of the race, with Dolphine Chelimo, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and Jacob Kiplimo having come to the front. Kenya’s Ishmael Kipkurui was also in the leading group, just running from behind.

Tadese Worku was the first through the 5km mark, with Daniel Simiu Ebenyo following him closely. However, his reign did not last long as Jacob Kiplimo snatched the lead from the Ethiopian.

Berihu Aregawi then found his way to the top too, with Thierry Ndikumwenayo and Jimmy Gressier and making their way to take a share of the lead in the race.

Jacob Kiplimo increased the pace as the athletes passed the 6km mark, but Daniel Ebenyo looked immune to that as he continued pushing the Ugandan. Tadese Worku was now running in third.

Jacob Kiplimo continued the dominance as the athletes passed the 7km mark, setting up the stage for another close battle. Berihu Aregawi was running closely behind, but it was Daniel Ebenyo who was running closely behind the Ugandan star.

Jacob Kiplimo and Daniel Ebenyo were looking dominant over the rest of the pack. However, Berihu Aregawi, after winning two silver medals, was targeting a gold medal.

Passing the 9km mark, the battle was now between Berihu Aregawi and Jacob Kiplimo. However, it was Jacob Kiplimo who ran away with the victory, crossing the finish line in 28:18 ahead of Berihu Aregawi, who once again won a silver medal in 28:36. Daniel Simiu secured his first-ever cross country medal with his third-place finish.