Sports

Mathew Kipsang wins World Athletics Cross Country Tour event in Spain

Monday 17th November, 2025 08:30 AM| By Joel Masibo

Mathew Kipsang won the Cross Internacional de Soria, the fourth Gold-level meeting of this season’s World Athletics Cross Country Tour, held in the Spanish city of Soria on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

The world 5000m finalist Kipsang denied pre-race favourite Rodrigue Kwizera a fourth Soria victory after a dramatic final sprint.

Kipsang’s dominance

The men’s 8km unfolded very differently. Kwizera set a brisk early pace, leading through the first 2km lap in 5:47 ahead of Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo and Ilias Fifa, plus Kenyans Kipsang, Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto, Naibei Kiplimo Mayebei and Edwin Kiplangat Bett.

Midway through the second lap, world U20 cross-country bronze medallist Kipruto surged to the front, with Kwizera on his shoulder. The 5:52 lap trimmed the lead pack to Kipruto, Kwizera, Kipsang and Ndikumwenayo. The third lap, in 5:46, saw the four strung out in single file behind the still-leading Kipruto.

Inside the final 500m, three-time Soria champion Kwizera kicked hard. Kipruto and Ndikumwenayo lost ground, but Kipsang refused to budge. Kwizera still led with 200m remaining, yet Kipsang — despite slipping slightly on the downhill before the home straight — unleashed the superior track speed that carried him to a 7:33.23 PB for 3000m earlier this year. He swept past in the final metres to win by a single second, 23:10 to 23:11. Kipruto held off Ndikumwenayo for third.

“I’m doubly happy,” said Kipsang. “It’s my birthday and I’ve won. I was third here last year, but my victory in Cardiff last weekend gave me confidence. I didn’t want to set the pace; I saved everything for the finish, and it paid off.”

In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw claimed victory unchallenged in 27:25 ahead of Kenya’s Sheila Jebet who clocked 27:55.