Kenya win world cross relay gold as Aussies make podium
Kenya won the first gold of the 2023 World Cross Country Championships as they took the 4x2km mixed relay from Ethiopia with host nation Australia making the podium with bronze.
With the Aussies battling for medals, it added some spice to the opening event on a tough course in Bathurst. But Kenya prevailed in 23:14 from Ethiopia's 23:21 as the home line-up clocked 23:26 followed by South Africa, United States and Britain in sixth.
Just days after racing in the Millrose Games in New York, Olli Hoare got Australia off to a solid start in third place as South Africa led thanks to Mafori Mphahlele from Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyoni, with Britain's Joe Wigfield in sixth.
Jess Hull then ran an inspired leg for the hosts as she took Australia into the lead from Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa as the early leaders fell back to fourth. Britain were sixth after the second stage courtesy of 800m specialist Alex Bell as the Americans were also going well thanks to steeplechaser Emma Coburn.
READ MORE: World Cross coverage from Bathurst
Kenya assumed its authority in the third stage courtesy of Kyumbe Munguti, though, as Australia, with Stewart McSweyn, fell back to second. South Africa moved up to third ahead of Ethiopia as Britain dropped back slightly to seventh with Callum Elson.
On the final leg Brenda Chebet, the world under-20 1500m silver medallist last year, maintained Kenya's lead as Birke Haylom took Ethiopia into second with Australian youngster Abbey Caldwell holding on to give the hosts a medal.
“If you perform well in cross country, it's one of the assurances that you have prepared well in other competitions,” said Kenya’s Munguti. “We are happy with where we are now, and trust that we will do well in the future.”
Caster Semenya anchored South Africa as they finished fourth, ahead of Heather MacLean of the United States as Alex Millard brought Britain home in sixth.
“It was definitely one of the hardest courses I have ever run," said Bell, "especially in the quiet sections where you could switch off. But I stuck in there and I am so proud of the whole team.”
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