Beatrice Chebet, Aregawi among marquee athletes set for Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza race

Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet and Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi are set to headline the Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza, the 10th World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting in Elgoibar, Spain, on Sunday 7.

Last Sunday, both athletes were in exceptional form on the roads, with Chebet breaking the world 5km record in Barcelona with a time of 14:13, while Aregawi secured a dominant 10km victory in Madrid, clocking 27:15.

Beatrice Chebet vs Jebitok

The women’s 7.62km race will feature a clash between world cross-country champion Chebet and her Kenyan compatriot Edinah Jebitok.

Chebet, a world 5000m bronze medallist, aims to avenge her second-place finish in Elgoibar last year, where she was outpaced by Jebitok.

This race marks Chebet’s third appearance this season following victories in Atapuerca and Barcelona.

Jebitok, who claimed eighth place at the World Cross Country Championships, has been enjoying a successful cross-country campaign, securing wins in San Sebastian, Seville, Eldoret, and Venta de Banos.

Beatrice Chebet mate

Another strong contender is 20-year-old Kenyan Grace Nawowuna, the fourth-place finisher in Bathurst, known for her remarkable 10,000m performance of 29:47.42.

Ethiopia’s Asmarech Anley, who finished second in Madrid’s 10km race last weekend, is expected to challenge the Kenyan dominance.

In addition, a Spanish trio comprising European cross country eighth-place finisher Irene Sanchez-Escribano, Olympic 3000m steeplechase finalist Carolina Robles, and Isabel Barreiro, along with British runners Lauren McNeil and Sarah Astin, will aim for strong performances in the competitive field.