Kiplimo third straight World Cross Country title

Kiplimo third straight world title arrived in Tallahassee on January 10, 2026, as Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo surged clear late to win the senior men’s 10km at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in 28:18. He finished ahead of Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi (28:36) and Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo (28:45) at Apalachee Regional Park.

Kiplimo third straight: how the race unfolded

The defending champion sat in the pack through the middle laps, then attacked decisively on the final circuit. He opened a sizeable gap over Aregawi and maintained control to the line, completing a historic hat-trick of titles. It marked the largest winning margin in the event since 2007.

Elite company and team stakes

With this victory, Kiplimo became only the fourth man to win three consecutive world cross country crowns, joining John Ngugi, Paul Tergat and Kenenisa Bekele. In the team race, Ethiopia won gold ahead of Kenya and Uganda.

Key results at a glance

Kiplimo 28:18; Aregawi 28:36; Ebenyo 28:45. World Athletics’ official report and results confirm the individual podium and Ethiopia’s team victory.

Wider championship context

Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich claimed the senior women’s title in 31:28 to extend her nation’s streak in that event. Australia won the mixed relay in 22:23, three seconds ahead of France. These outcomes underscored the strong depth on display across the program.

What’s next for the champion

Kiplimo, 25, signaled that his future focus will tilt further toward the marathon after a 2:02:23 win in Chicago last October. For now, his Tallahassee performance cements a legacy built on patience and a lethal late surge.

The result in Florida was clear and emphatic. Kiplimo controlled the decisive moments, sealed his third in a row, and strengthened Uganda’s standing on the world cross country stage