In a thrilling showcase of endurance and skill, Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and Burundi’s Francine Niyomukunzi claimed victory at the prestigious Campaccio Cross Country event, a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting in San Giorgio su Legnano on Saturday.
Ebenyo, a double world silver medallist, showcased his prowess in a closely contested race. A 10-man lead pack, including Ebenyo, Uganda’s Oscar Chelimo, and Burundi’s Celestin Ndikumana, set the stage for an intense competition.
Chelimo attempted to break away on the second lap, but Ebenyo quickly closed the gap. The two runners created a significant lead over the rest of the pack, with Ebenyo ultimately accelerating on the final lap to secure victory in 29:16, six seconds ahead of Chelimo.
“I’m happy that I won this race over a challenging course,” said Ebenyo, expressing his joy after his first cross-country race in Europe. The Kenyan athlete now sets his sights on the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade on March 30, aiming to secure his place on the Kenyan team and later targeting a fast half marathon in April.
The women’s race mirrored the intensity of the men’s event, with Niyomukunzi and Italy’s Nadia Battocletti emerging as the frontrunners.
Niyomukunzi, who spends most of her training time in Italy, demonstrated her strength in the latter part of the race, finishing strongly to claim victory in 19:42, four seconds ahead of Battocletti. Giovanna Selva secured the third spot in 20:31.
“I didn’t think I was going to win. I am very emotional,” shared Niyomukunzi, acknowledging the significance of her triumph.
The Campaccio Cross Country event proved to be a showcase of exceptional talent and determination, setting the stage for an exciting year of athletics ahead.
Top Performances:
Women
1 Francine Niyomukunzi (BDI) 19:42
2 Nadia Battocletti (ITA) 19:46
3 Giovanna Selva (ITA) 20:31
4 Anna Vindics Toth (HUN) 20:50
5 Rebecca Lonedo (ITA) 21:00
6 Michela Cesarò (ITA) 21:27
7 Sara Nestola (ITA) 21:30
8 Neide Dias (POR) 21:57
9 Adele Roatta (ITA) 22:23
Men
1 Daniel Ebenyo (KEN) 29:16
2 Oscar Chelimo (UGA) 29:22
3 Yves Nimubona (BDI) 29:44
4 Edide Ntakaturimana (BDI) 29:53
5 Celestin Ndikumana (BDI) 29:54
6 Guillaume Grimard (BEL) 30:13
7 Mohamed Jhinaoui (TUN) 30:13
8 Iliass Aouani (ITA) 30:31
9 Pasquale Selvarolo (ITA) 30:39
10 Luca Alfieri (ITA) 30:44
Reported by World Athletics Media
