Jacob Kiplimo to Take on Berihu Aregawi, Daniel Ebenyo and Co as He Eyes Historic Third Cross-Country Title

Jacob Kiplimo will face a strong field, including Berihu Aregawi and Daniel Ebenyo, as he aims for a historic cross-country milestone.

The World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee on January 10, 2026, is poised to deliver one of the most compelling distance races of the year, headlined by a fierce rivalry and a quest for sporting immortality.

At the heart of the action is Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo, a dominant force in modern cross-country running. A victory in Tallahassee would secure his place in history as only the fourth man to win three consecutive world cross-country titles, joining the legendary ranks of John Ngugi, Paul Tergat, and Kenenisa Bekele.

Since claiming his second world title in 2024, Jacob Kiplimo has shifted his focus from the track to the roads with remarkable success.

He made a stunning marathon debut at the 2023 London Marathon, finishing second in 2:03:37, before winning the Chicago Marathon in a Ugandan national record of 2:02:23. Now the seventh-fastest man in history over the distance, he will arrive in Florida fresh and highly motivated to make history.

World Athletics Cross Country Championships: Jacob Kiplimo’s Challengers

Standing in his way is Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi, the silver medallist behind Kiplimo at the last two championships. The gap between them has narrowed significantly, from nine seconds in 2023 to just three in 2024, suggesting their rivalry is reaching a fever pitch.

Berihu Aregawi, who has collected four global silver medals across various disciplines, is hungry for his first major gold and knows he has the tools to deny Kiplimo a historic hat-trick.

Ethiopia's challenge is bolstered by a formidable team. Bereket Nega won the national trials, leading a strong contingent that includes Aregawi, Tadese Worku, and Hagos Eyob. This blend of experience and tactical skill puts them in a strong position to contend for the team title.

However, they will face stiff competition from Kenya, the reigning team champions for the past two editions. Led by world half-marathon silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo, who dominated the Kenyan trials, the squad includes Kevin Chesang, Denis Kemboi, and Shadrack Koech. Their strategy of applying relentless pressure will be well-suited to the demanding Florida course.

Uganda, a consistent podium finisher, will be without 2019 champion Joshua Cheptegei but can rely on Dan Kibet, who finished 11th in 2024, to support Kiplimo's individual and team ambitions.

The field is packed with international talent beyond the traditional powerhouses. World 10,000m champion Jimmy Gressier of France and Spain's Thierry Ndikumwenayo, the reigning European Cross-Country champion, will renew their continental rivalry on the world stage.

Canada's Moh Ahmed, the 2021 Olympic 5000m silver medallist, returns to the World Cross for the first time since 2013, while South African record-holder Adriaan Wildschutt makes his debut.

Other notable contenders include Australia's Ky Robinson, fourth in the 5000m at last year's World Championships, Tanzanian marathon star Gabriel Geay, and Burundi's Celestin Ndikumana.

The host nation's team, led by US champion Parker Wolfe and featuring Nico Young, will aim to capitalise on home-field advantage for a strong performance.