Kenya’s Paris Olympic finalist Edwin Kurgat delivered a commanding performance to clinch victory in the men’s 8km race at the Cross Champs, a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting held in Austin, Texas, on Thursday.
Kurgat made a strong move in the final kilometres to overtake early leader Athanas Kioko. Although Kioko started strong, opening up a small lead early on, Kurgat stayed in close pursuit. By the third lap, Kurgat had closed the gap to just four seconds. He surged ahead in the final stretch, finishing in 22:51, five seconds ahead of Kioko, who finished second in 22:56. Mexico’s Eduard Herrera, the 1500m record-holder, took third place with a time of 23:14.
Kurgat who is a former hockey player relocated to the U.S. in 2016, where he graduated from Iowa State University in 2021 with a degree in Industrial Engineering
In 2024, Kurgat made his Olympic debut, securing a spot in the 5000m after finishing third at the Kenyan Trials. He was placed 7th in Paris.
Meanwhile, the women’s 8km race was dominated by the USA’s Emily Venters, who cruised to victory in 26:03. Kenya’s Mercy Chelangat secured second place in 26:27, with compatriot Everlyn Kemboi battling to fifth in 26:47.
