Berihu Aregawi outclasses Jacob Kiplimo in Spain

World 5km record holder, Berihu Aregawi defended his title in a historic way when he outclassed the three time World Cross Country champion and the race course record holder Jacob Kiplimo in a thrilling sprint finish at the 26th edition of the San Silvestre Vallecana 10km road race, held on New Year’s Eve in Vallecas, Madrid, Spain.

Aregawi and Kiplimo started off with a blistering pace that separated the real men and the chase group as they took charge of the leading group of six. The two race favorites pulled away further from the leading group with just eight minute gone, dictating the pace to be a two horse-race with pulsating strides in pursuit of a new course record.

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The sweetness of the race came when the two saw the tape and it was a do or die, for any of the two was in position to take the crown, which eventually went to Aregawi who edged out Kiplimo in a photo finish duel.

Aregawi demolished the old course record of 26:41 set six years ago by Kiplimo with a new course time of 26:31 and was followed in second place by the Ugandan who also came home under the old course time in 26:32.

The 2016 European 5000m champion, Adel Mechaal from Spain sealed the podium in a new personal best of 31:34

LEADING RESULTS

10KM MEN

1. Berihu Aregawi    (ETH)  26:32
2. Jacob Kiplimo      (UGA) 26:33
3. Adel Mechaal      (ESP)  27:40
4. Felix Bour             (FRA) 27:42
5. Nibret Kinde        (ETH)  27:44