Ethiopia’s Alemayo wins junior women’s gold as Franklin Kibet and his Kenyan teammates dominate the under-20 men’s race in Tallahassee.
Two years ago in Belgrade. Ethiopia’s Marta Alemayo wins women’s under-20 world title at age 15. Now 17, he successfully defended the crown on Saturday (Jan. 10) with a come-from-behind victory in Tallahassee.
Alemayo finished 26 seconds ahead of Ethiopia’s Wosane Assefa in third with the Ugandan charity kerop.
It was an impressive performance from Alemayo as he only finished third at the Ethiopian trials this winter. Away from home, he won a bronze medal in the 3000m at the 2024 U20 World Championships and has a PB of 8:32.20.
Alemayo and Assefa were unable to lead Ethiopia to team victory, however, as they did not have a full squad due to visa issues on the eve of the championships.
Instead, Uganda got a team win over Kenya and Japan.
The top non-African was Japan’s Yui Onotora in 14th, while top European Fani Schalke was 21st.
Eliza Nicholson led the Brits in 36th, followed by Zara Redmond in 49th, Maisie Bellwood in 54th and Kitty Rose Scott DNF tied for 10th with New Zealand.
Kenya dominates the men’s under-20 race
Franklin Kibet led Kenya to a top four finish in the U20 men’s race.
The 18-year-old edged out Emmanuel Kiprono to win by two seconds with Andrew Kipto Alamisi third and Andrew Kipto fourth as Kenya produced a perfect score to claim team gold.
Abraham Cherotich of Uganda was fifth, ahead of another Kenyan, Brian Kiptarus.
Kenya and Uganda rounded out the top 10, with Belgium’s Willem Randers, the first non-African home, in 11th, almost a minute behind the winner.
Ayel Seunet was the only one on the Ethiopian team that ran out due to visa issues.
Michael Clarke The Brits were led home in 20th (fourth European home) with Luke Dunham 24th, Alex Lennon 31st and Johnson Hughes 35th.
