Kenyan runners dominated the 70th edition of the Cross Internacional de San Sebastián at the Lasarte racecourse, securing two more victories for the nation’s historical tally at the Basque venue.
Kenyan Runners Extend Lasarte Legacy
Denis Kipkemoi and Maurine Chebor claimed the elite titles on November 1 at the San Sebastián cross-country event, bringing Kenya’s total number of absolute victories at the historic venue to 25. Despite narrow finishing margins on the dry course, both athletes demonstrated clear superiority over their competitors after racing 6.900 meters.
María Forero Sparks Women’s Race Dynamics
In the women’s competition, Spain’s María Forero — the 2025 European under-23 champion — pushed the early pace alongside eventual winner Chebor and Uganda’s Felister Chekwemoi. The trio remained together until the final lap bell, at which point Chebor surged away to claim a solo victory. Forero secured second place, while Chekwemoi finished third, and Marta Serrano finished fourth following her podium finish in 2025.
Denis Kipkemoi Controls Men’s Finish
The men’s race concluded with a narrow one-second margin between winner Denis Kipkemoi and runner-up Samuel Cherop of Uganda, though race reports note the Kenyan controlled the closing stages of the race. British runner Rory Leonard finished fifth in a competitive leading group, while Ethiopia’s Adisu Wegene claimed third place on the podium.
Local Athletes Navigate Tough Conditions
Defending Spanish 3,000-meter indoor champion Martín Segurola finished seventh in the men’s event, finishing more than ten seconds behind training partner Dani Arce after dealing with severe foot blisters. The local runner began his pre-season less than a month prior. Miren Martín finished as the highest-ranked local runner in the women’s race, taking 13th position.
