Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet to c*mpete in World Athletics Cross Country Tour in Atapuerca

Reigning world cross country champion Beatrice Chebet is set to lead a strong field of athletes at the upcoming Cross Internacional de Atapuerca on Sunday.

This event is the second in the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold series. Chebet, a 23-year-old Kenyan, is the clear favourite in the women's 8km race.

Beatrice Chebet record

Chebet's impressive track record includes her recent world cross-country title in Bathurst, a bronze medal in the 5000m at the World Championships in Budapest, and a gold medal in the 5km at the World Road Running Championships in Riga in 2023.

She also set a remarkable lifetime best of 14:05.92 in the 5000m at the Wanda Diamond League Final in September, which would have been a world record just a few months earlier.

As the defending champion in Atapuerca, she aims to secure back-to-back titles, and she'll be joined by fellow Kenyan athletes Edinah Jebitok, who finished eighth in Bathurst, and Lucy Mawia, who claimed third place in Amorebieta last weekend.

The Ethiopian contingent will be represented by Likina Amebaw and Lemlem Nibret, who engaged in a thrilling sprint finish in Amorebieta, with Amebaw emerging as the victor over her younger compatriot.

Uganda's Sarah Chelangat is another strong contender, with improved lifetime bests of 8:32.53 in the 3000m and 14:40.88 in the 5000m last season. She also competed in the 10,000m in Budapest, where she finished in 10th place.

The British 3000m steeplechase record-holder, Aimee Pratt, will also be in the competition. The Spanish team is expected to field a strong contingent, including Marta Garcia, who specializes in the 5000m with a personal best of 15:02.11, and Esther Navarrete, who recently set a half marathon personal best of 1:09:58 in Valencia.

Additionally, 3000m steeplechasers Irene Sanchez-Escribano, Carolina Robles, and European U23 bronze medalist Marta Serrano will be part of the Spanish team. Majida Maayouf, who obtained Spanish nationality last June and is a 2:21:01 marathon runner, will also aim for a top 10 finish.

This international event will see participation from over 5,000 runners representing 15 countries and promises to be a celebration of athletics on Sunday. Weather forecasts predict a rainy and windy day with temperatures ranging between 11-13°C during the races.