Kibathi wins gold as Jebet comes 4th in under 20 at World cross country

National Cross country champion Samuel Kibathi won the first gold for Kenya at the World Cross country championships in Belgrade, Serbia today.

 The former Sirikwa Cross country junior champion won the under 20 men’s 8km title in 22:40 beating Ethiopian Mezgebu Sime (22:41) with Kenyan Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto (22:46) settling for bronze.

However, it was disappointing for under 20 women when Sheila jebet settl4ed for 4^th at 19:45 behind Ethiopians Marta Alemayo (19:28), Asayech Ayichew (19:32) and Robe Dida (19:38) for an all podium sweep.

selected results under 20

Under 20 women

1. Marta Alemayo (KEN) 19:28
2. Asayech Ayichew (ETH) 19:32
3. Robe Dida (ETH) 19:38
4. Sheila Jebet (KEN) 19:45
5. Diana Cherotich (KEN) 19:47
6. Yenawa Nbret (ETH) 19:50
7. Debora Chemutai (KEN) 19:51
8. lemlem Nibret (ETH) 20:01
9. Shito Gumi (ETH) 20:02
10. Nowel Cheruto (UGA) 20:04

Men under 20

1. Samuel Kibathi (KEN) 22:40
2. Mezgebu Sime (ETH) 22:41
3. Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto (KEN) 22:46
4. Yismaw Dillu (ETH) 22:48
5. Johana Erot (KEN) 22:49
6. Charles Rotich (KEN) 22:51
7. Sewmehon Anteneh (ETH) 22:52
8. Jenberu Sisay (ETH) 23:00
9. Shadrack Rono Kipkemei (KEN) 23:02
10. Abdisa Fayisa (ETH) 23:16