Chelangat to Lead Kenya in High-Stakes Battle at Texas Cross Country

Mercy Chelangat is set to lead Kenya’s medal pursuit at the World Athletics Cross Country Tour in Texas, USA, scheduled for November 30. However, the competition promises to be fierce, with US cross-country champion Ednah Kurgat and Krissy Gear from the USA presenting strong challenges.

Chelangat, a holder of NCAA titles in both 10,000m (2022) and cross country (2020), recently made her half marathon debut with an impressive time of 1:11:37 in Boston earlier this month.

Kurgat, the reigning US cross-country champion, aims to build on her third-place finish from the previous year and will be joined by Krissy Gear, the US steeplechase titleholder.

In the men’s category, notable participants include Wesley Kiptoo, Olin Hacker, and Adriaan Wildschutt, competing against the likes of Charles Hicks. Kiptoo and Hacker, who finished sixth and seventh in Austin last year, are eyeing podium positions after successful seasons in 2023.

Charles Hicks, the European U23 5000m champion, is expected to provide tough competition, having excelled in cross country and secured two European U23 titles along with the 2022 NCAA title.

Other contenders include Vincent Kiprop, Kenya’s 2018 NCAA 10,000m silver medallist, and Casey Comber, USA’s Pan-American 1500m bronze medallist.

The Texas championship holds the distinction of being the only US-based Gold stage in the World Athletics Cross Country Tour.