Shanghai & Alcobendas – Former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei stamped her authority at the Shanghai Marathon, clocking a course record 2:16:36 to claim victory in China, while Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera continued his dominance in cross country with a thrilling win at the Cross Internacional de la Constitución in Spain.
At the World Athletics Platinum Label road race in Shanghai, the 31-year-old Kosgei produced the fastest time ever recorded on Chinese soil and the third-fastest of her career. She led from the outset, breaking away from Kenyan compatriot Irine Cheptai after 30km to finish more than two minutes clear in a commanding performance. Cheptai finished second in a season-best 2:18:51, while Ethiopia’s Tiruye Mesfin rounded out the podium in 2:20:38.
“The race went exactly how I hoped,” said Kosgei. “I felt strong throughout and I’m delighted to set a new benchmark here in Shanghai.”
The men’s marathon was a nail-biter, with Ethiopian Milkesa Mengesha edging compatriot Dawit Wolde by just two seconds, finishing in 2:06:25. Deresa Geleta completed an Ethiopian sweep in 2:06:36. A tightly packed lead group ran together through much of the race before Mengesha’s decisive kick in the final kilometres secured the victory.
Meanwhile, at the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting in Alcobendas, 18-year-old Ethiopian Yenenesh Shimket dominated the women’s 8.1km race. Shimket surged ahead in the final stages to finish in 25:32, beating Italy’s Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Nadia Battocletti by 11 seconds, while Kenya’s Sheila Jebet claimed third.
In the men’s race, Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera overcame Eritrea’s Saymon Amanuel in a thrilling finale, catching him with 650 metres to go and finishing in 22:55. Uganda’s Dismas Yeko took third in 23:09, with compatriot Samuel Cherop finishing fourth. Kwizera celebrated his fourth consecutive victory in Alcobendas.
“I’m very satisfied after my fourth win in a row here,” said Kwizera. “It was a strong race, but I stayed confident and managed to clinch the win. After a busy November, I’ll spend some time with family before returning to Europe for the European Cross Country Team Championships in February.”
Both events showcased the continued strength and depth of East African distance running, with Kosgei and Kwizera demonstrating tactical brilliance and endurance in their respective disciplines.
Leading Results – Shanghai Marathon
Women: 1. Brigid Kosgei (KEN) 2:16:36 | 2. Irine Cheptai (KEN) 2:18:51 | 3. Tiruye Mesfin (ETH) 2:20:38
Men: 1. Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) 2:06:25 | 2. Dawit Wolde (ETH) 2:06:27 | 3. Deresa Geleta (ETH) 2:06:36
Leading Results – Alcobendas Cross Country
Women: 1. Yenenesh Shimket (ETH) 25:32 | 2. Nadia Battocletti (ITA) 25:43 | 3. Sheila Jebet (KEN) 25:57
Men: 1. Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI) 22:55 | 2. Saymon Amanuel (ERI) 23:01 | 3. Dismas Yeko (UGA) 23:09
