Uganda’s long-distance ace Jacob Kiplimo has once again confirmed his dominance on the global stage after winning gold in the senior men’s race at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships held in Tallahassee, Florida, on Sunday.
Kiplimo crossed the finish line in 28 minutes and 18 seconds, comfortably ahead of Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi, who took silver in 28:36. Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo completed the podium with bronze after clocking 28:45.
Going into the championship as the overwhelming favourite, Kiplimo lived up to expectations with a composed and commanding performance. He timed his move to perfection, opening up an 18-second gap on his closest rivals on the final lap to seal a convincing victory.
The race started at a cautious pace, with American Wesley Kipto setting the early tempo on the opening lap. Uganda’s Dan Kibet followed closely, two seconds behind. By the 4-kilometre mark, the traditional powerhouses Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya had asserted control at the front of the field.
At that stage, Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku was leading, followed by Uganda’s Dolphine Chelimo and Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo, as Kiplimo moved into fourth position, signalling his intent.
Just after the halfway point, Kiplimo began to assert himself, moving to the front alongside Ebenyo, Ethiopia’s Biniam Mehary and Aregawi. Moments later, the Ugandan unleashed a devastating surge that immediately opened an eight-second lead over Aregawi and Ebenyo. By the final lap, Kiplimo had stretched his advantage to 18 seconds, putting the result beyond doubt as he cruised to his third successive World Cross Country gold medal.
“I am happy that I have defended my title. It’s what I had hoped for,” Kiplimo said after the race. “The course was a little challenging, but I planned my race well and that gave me victory.”
In the senior women’s race, Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich clinched gold after crossing the finish line in 31 minutes and 28 seconds. Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek claimed silver in 32:10, while Ethiopia’s Senayet Getachew settled for bronze in 32:13.
Dominic Otuchet, the President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), applauded Kiplimo and the entire Ugandan team for their strong showing at the championships. “As Uganda, we are grateful that we were able to defend our title and do so with honour,” Otuchet said.
Kiplimo’s victory makes him only the fourth man in history to win three consecutive World Cross Country titles, further cementing his status as one of Uganda’s greatest-ever distance runners.
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