Cross Internacional de Soria 2026 results: Kipsang edges Kwizera and Cherop breaks clear

Kipsang retains his title by centimetres

Rodrigue Kwizera came to Monte Valonsadero a week after winning at Itálica. He was still in a five-man group on the third lap with Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang, Fasika Ayele, Dismas Yeko and Charles Kiboino. Earlier, Felix Kiptarus Korir had helped stretch the field.

Kipsang took the initiative after the final rise and held his advantage through the straight. Kwizera drew almost level by the line, with Ayele third. EFE reported the winning margin in centimetres. Kwizera had been looking for a fourth Soria victory.

Charity Cherop makes her move on lap three

A week after finishing second at Itálica, Charity Cherop drove the race on from the front and widened the gap on the third circuit. Cynthia Chepkirui finished 14 seconds back and Mirriam Cherop was another six seconds behind. Mariana Machado was the leading European and Idaira Prieto was the first Spanish finisher in sixth.

Soria followed Saturday's Gold meeting at Pforzheim on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour. The two races used different courses and their finish times are best read alongside the respective race distances and conditions.

Results sources and photo credits

Sources: EFE race report, via Infobae · World Athletics preview and athlete identities · AthRecs Cross Country Tour calendar · Photo credit and original · CC BY 2.0 image licence