Jacob Kiplimo will look to cement his legacy at the 46th World Cross Country Championships when he lined up in Tallahassee, Florida, looking for a third straight title.
Jacob Kiplimo is poised to join an elite group of long-distance running legends as he aims for a third consecutive senior men’s title at the 46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships this Saturday, January 10.
Only three men in history—Kenenisa Bekele, John Ngugi, and Paul Tergat—have achieved three successive victories in this prestigious event. A win for Kiplimo at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida, would cement his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
The Ugandan star enters the race as the clear favourite and the man to beat. Since his dominant performance in Belgrade in 2024, Kiplimo has shifted his focus to road racing with remarkable success. He secured a second-place finish at last year’s London Marathon before winning the Chicago Marathon in a new Ugandan national record of 2:02:23.
Who is Standing in Kiplimo’s Way?
However, his path to a third gold medal will not be uncontested. Kiplimo will face a familiar and formidable rival in Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi, who has finished as the silver medalist behind him at the last two championships. Aregawi will be supported by a strong Ethiopian contingent, including national trials winner Bereket Nega, Tadese Worku, and Hagos Eyob, all determined to disrupt Kiplimo’s reign.
Kenya, the reigning team champions for the past two editions, will also mount a serious challenge. Their squad is led by Daniel Ebenyo, who delivered a commanding victory at the Kenyan trials. He will be joined by teammates Kevin Chesang, Denis Kemboi, and Shadrack Koech in the hunt for both individual and team glory.
Time and Where to Watch
Live coverage of the 46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships will be available on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Africa 1, with the broadcast beginning at 2pm East African time.