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Uganda’s world cross country champion, Jacob Kiplimo, has expressed uncertainty about participating in the 2024 World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade.

Kiplimo, who recently won the 10K Valencia Ibercaja, a World Athletics Label road race, has set his sights on a double victory in the 5000m and 10,000m events at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Jacob Kiplimo focus

Kiplimo mentioned his primary focus this year is the Olympic Games and achieving success in the 5000m and 10,000m races.

“I’m still doubtful on competing at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade as my primary goal this year is the Olympic Games where I would like to double in the 5000m and 10,000m,” Kiplimo is quoted by World Athletics.

Reflecting on his victory in Valencia, Kiplimo expressed satisfaction, stating that he achieved his target of running a fast time in the race.

“I came to Valencia to run a fast time and I just did, so I’m quite satisfied,” Kiplimo said.

During the Valencia race, he took command after the pacemaker dropped out, leading the front pack that included Kenyan runners Peter Mwaniki Njeru and Dennis Kibet Kitiyo, Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew, and Switzerland’s Dominic Lobalu.

Jacob Kiplimo challenge

Kiplimo’s dominance continued, and he secured an impressive win with a huge career-best time of 26:48, placing him fifth on the world all-time list.

Despite falling short of Rhonex Kipruto’s world record of 26:24, Kiplimo’s performance was remarkable. Birhanu Balew also achieved a personal best, finishing in 26:58.

In the battle for third place, Peter Mwaniki Njeru overtook Dennis Kibet Kitiyo in the closing stages, finishing in 26:59, while Kitiyo crossed the line in 27:01.

Dominic Lobalu equalled the European record of 27:13, and Andreas Almgren set a Swedish record on his 10km debut with a time of 27:20. Spain’s Abdessamad Oukhelfen also established a national record of 27:44.