Daniel Ebenyo shines in Campaccio Cross Country Tour Gold
By Collins Amanga, January 7, 2024
Daniel Ebenyo Simiu secured victory at the Campaccio, a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting in San Giorgio su Legnano on Saturday.
In the initial lap, Ebenyo was part of a 10-man leading group that included Uganda’s Oscar Chelimo, Burundi’s Celestin Ndikumana, Yves Nimubona, Edide Ntakaturimana, and prominent Italian contenders.
Daniel Ebenyo cut gap
Chelimo initiated an attack on the second lap, surging ahead over a hilly section of the course, but Ebenyo quickly bridged the gap.
The pair built a substantial lead over their pursuers on the third lap, with Nimubona trailing in third place, followed by Ntakaturimana.
Ebenyo and Chelimo ran side by side until the fifth and final lap when Ebenyo, the world 10,000m and half marathon silver medallist, increased his pace to establish a lead over Chelimo.
Completing the race in 29:16, Ebenyo triumphed by six seconds, expressing his satisfaction after tackling his inaugural cross-country race in Europe.
Having recently broken the world 25km record in Kolkata, Ebenyo felt confident in his form.
Daniel Ebenyo’s comments
“I’m happy that I won this race over a challenging course. I knew that I was in good shape after breaking the world 25km best in Kolkata. I really enjoyed this race. The crowd cheered me on along the course, and I hope to return here next year,” he said after the race.
Looking ahead, Ebenyo aims to participate in the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade on March 30, with the task of securing his spot on the Kenyan team.
Following that, he plans to target a swift half marathon performance in April.