Kenya’s Mathew Kipsang celebrated his birthday in unforgettable fashion after storming to a dramatic win at the Cross Internacional de Soria, the fourth Gold-level meet of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour. The event delivered an action-packed day in both the men’s and women’s races, with Kipsang and Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw emerging victorious.
The men’s 8km race was electric from the gun, driven by the fierce pace of Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera, a three-time champion in Soria. Kwizera led the early stages, taking the frontrunners through the first 2km in 5:47. His aggressive strategy quickly trimmed the lead pack to four athletes: Kipsang, Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo, and world U20 bronze medallist Matthew Kipruto.
Kipruto attempted to seize control midway through the race, but his surge did little to shake the experienced trio on his heels. With 500 metres remaining, Kwizera launched a decisive kick that briefly opened a gap, dropping Kipruto and Ndikumwenayo. It seemed the Burundian was on course for his fourth crown—until Kipsang responded.
Displaying remarkable composure and strength, Kipsang shadowed Kwizera through the downhill stretch despite momentarily losing balance. In the final metres, he unleashed a blistering sprint, overtaking the tiring leader to clinch victory by a single second in 23:10. Kipruto held on for third place, completing an impressive podium.
Kipsang expressed joy after the race, noting that his triumph was made even sweeter by the occasion. Having finished third in Soria last year and securing a major win in Cardiff the previous weekend, he carried immense confidence into the competition—and his finishing speed proved decisive.
The women’s 8km race began cautiously, with the field taking a steady approach through the first lap. Italy’s Valentina Gemetto, Kenya’s Sheila Jebet, and Amebaw were among those controlling the tempo early on. But the dynamics changed sharply in the third lap when Amebaw unleashed a powerful acceleration that only Jebet could initially match.
Amebaw’s relentless pace eventually proved too strong, breaking Jebet’s resistance in the final mile. She crossed the line alone in 27:25, finishing 30 seconds ahead of the Kenyan. Gemetto sealed third place after a close contest with Spain’s Idaira Prieto.
