Ethiopia Edges Rivals Kenya And Uganda For Team Title Behind Berihu Aregawi's Third Straight Silver

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

John Nepolitan Photos

TALLAHASSEE -- Jacob Kiplimo moved into the realm of all-time cross country legends on Saturday at Apalachee Regional Park on Saturday, where he conqured all of the obstacles and warm weather to dominate the men's 10,000-meter race and win gold for the third time at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships. 

Good as he was in 2023 and 2024, Kiplimo was even more incredible on Saturday as he covered the challenging layout in 28:18 and beat Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi by 18 seconds. 

Aregawi has a drawer full of consolation prizes from the globe's premier cross country meet. He finished in silver medal position, behind Kiplimo, for the third straight time. But he also led Ethiopia to team gold. 

Kiplimo is the fifth man to win the title three times, joining Portugal's Carlos Lopes, Kenya's John Ngugi and Paul Tergat, and Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele. Kiplimo also made it four straight individual titles for Uganda. 

"I'm happy I've won the race three times. I'm so happy about it," said Kiplimo who won the Chicago Marathon last October in 2:02:23. "It's about believing in yourself and hard work."

Ethiopia scored 30 points, Kenya 34 and Uganda 39 as the three nations that routinely dominate this event engaged in another close competiton for bragging rights as the world's best running nation. 

Ethiopia went 2-4-6 with Aregawi, Tadesse Worku and future star Biniam Mehary. 

The United States finished a disant fourth and overcame some adversity. NCAA runner-up Rocky Hansen is reportedly nursing an injury and came to Tallahassee with hopes of competing, but he ultimately pulled out of the meet on Friday. The U.S. had entered two alternates but neither of them came to Tallahassee and there wasn't enough time to add a sixth runner. 

As it was, U.S. champion Parker Wolfe led the team with 12th place, followed by Wesley Kiptoo in 14th, Graham Blanks 19th and Nico Young 36th.