Beatrice Chebet shines in World Athletics Cross Country Tour in Atapuerca

Beatrice Chebet, the reigning world cross-country champion, delivered an impressive victory at the Cross Internacional de Atapuerca, the second Gold standard event in this season's World Athletics Cross Country Tour.

The event was held on a challenging Sunday characterized by harsh weather conditions including gusts of wind reaching speeds of up to 45kph and rain.

Beatrice Chebet defends

Despite the challenges Chebet successfully defended her title in the women's 8km race.

From the beginning of the women's 8km race, Chebet asserted her dominance, accompanied by her fellow Kenyan runners Edinah Jebitok and Lucy Mawia.

However, Mawia couldn't keep pace and was overtaken by Uganda's Sarah Chelangat by the end of the first kilometre.

After completing the first 2km lap in 6:06, Chebet and Jebitok slightly slowed down, and they were joined by Chelangat.

Ethiopia's Likina Amebaw, who had won in Amorebieta the previous weekend, took a conservative start but eventually worked her way into the leading group as the clock showed 9:35.

Following a second lap of 6:11, the lead quartet found themselves 12 seconds ahead of Mawia, who was in a clear solo position, followed by Spain's Majida Maayouf and British steeplechase specialist Aimee Pratt and her compatriot Megan Keith, the European U23 5000m champion.

Beatrice Chebet surges

The pivotal moment occurred about half a kilometre before the final lap, as Chebet effortlessly surged ahead of her competitors, quickly building a substantial lead. At the start of the last 2km lap, Chebet was leading by three seconds over Amebaw, who was herself three seconds ahead of Chelangat, while Jebitok trailed Chebet by eight seconds in fourth place.

Chebet continued to extend her lead during the final lap, while Amebaw began to struggle and was eventually overtaken by Chelangat and Jebitok.

Chebet crossed the finish line with a commanding 15-second lead over Chelangat, while Jebitok secured a solid podium finish, another eight seconds behind. Amebaw, who had initially been with the leading group, couldn't maintain her pace and faded. Further back, Megan Keith finished strongly, overtaking Mawia on the final lap to secure fifth place.

Chebet has confirmed that her next appearance will be at the 'Cross Internacional de Itálica' in Seville on November 12.

Leading results

Women (8km)
1 Beatrice Chebet (KEN) 25:21
2 Sarah Chelangat (UGA) 25:36
3 Edinah Jebitok (KEN) 25:44
4 Likina Amebaw (ETH) 26:06
5 Megan Keith (GBR) 26:39
6 Lucy Mawia (KEN) 26:54
7 Majida Maayouf (ESP) 27:07
8 Lemlem Nibret (ESP) 27:13
9 Ikram Ouaziz (MOR) 27:45
10 Marta García (ESP) 28:05