Jacob Kiplimo once again stamped his authority on the global stage, producing a masterclass to win the senior men’s title at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee. The Ugandan star clocked 28:18, powering clear of Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi and Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo to secure a third consecutive world cross-country crown. With this victory, Kiplimo joined an elite club of legends, becoming only the fourth man in history to achieve such a feat.
The race unfolded with early aggression, as a fast opening pace briefly stretched the field, but experience soon prevailed. As the kilometres ticked by, familiar colours dominated the front, with athletes from Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya asserting control. Calm and composed, Kiplimo patiently tracked the leaders, waiting for the decisive moment rather than forcing the issue too early on a demanding course.
That moment arrived on the final lap. With ruthless precision, Kiplimo unleashed a devastating surge that instantly broke the resistance of his closest rivals. Over the closing stages alone, he carved out an astonishing 18-second advantage, turning a tight contest into a commanding statement of supremacy. Aregawi settled for silver in 28:36, while Ebenyo held on for bronze in 28:45, as Kiplimo crossed the line untouched and unchallenged.
Beyond individual brilliance, the championship carried significant team implications. Ethiopia claimed gold in the men’s team standings, followed by Kenya, while Uganda secured a hard-earned bronze. For Kiplimo, the triumph came with both sporting and financial rewards: US$30,000 for individual gold and an additional US$12,000 for Uganda’s third-place team finish, underlining the tangible value of excellence on the world stage.
Kiplimo’s Tallahassee triumph was more than just another medal, it was a reaffirmation of his place among the greats and a powerful signal of Uganda’s growing strength in distance running. With consistency, belief and an unrelenting competitive edge, he continues to redefine what is possible, leaving fans and rivals alike wondering just how much more history he is yet to write.
