Historic Roman Ruins Set the Scene
Rodrigue Kwizera claimed his third title at the Cross Internacional de Itálica on Sunday, crossing the finish line first in a tight tactical battle at the archaeological site in Santiponce, Spain, abc.es reported.
The triumph marks Kwizera’s third victory at the historic venue, matching the historic record set by Ethiopian distance running legend Kenenisa Bekele between 2003 and 2007, according to diariodesevilla.es.
Competing under the Spanish flag for the first time after obtaining citizenship by naturalization in May, Kwizera completed the 9,550-meter course in 27 minutes and 36 seconds, marca.com reported. Kwizera, winner in 2021 and 2025 under the flag of Burundi, also holds the national records for the 10K and the half marathon, having shattered the Spanish half marathon record in Valencia at the end of October.
Tactical Early Laps Build the Pressure
The men’s race began with a large, cautious pack controlled initially by Spanish runner Dani Arce, abc.es reported. Competitors drove the multi-lap course surrounding the Roman amphitheater without breaking the group wide apart through the early stages.
Midway through the race, the pace quickened as runners such as Uganda’s Dimas Yeko and Kenya’s Andrew Alamisi tested the leading group, diariodesevilla.es reported. Kwizera remained patient, shadowing the leaders without expending unnecessary energy.
By the halfway point, clocked in just over 14 minutes, a diverse group remained tightly packed on the winding dirt paths, abc.es reported. The contenders preserved their energy for a fast finish, with Yeko alongside Spaniards Kwizera and Miguel Ángel Martínez Chazarra leading the cross at the halfway mark.
A Three-Way Clash Decides the Podium
Charles Kiboino forced a decisive selection on the third lap by injecting a sudden burst of speed that stretched the leading pack into single file, abc.es reported. Kwizera marked the move immediately.
As the race entered its final stretch, Kwizera battled shoulder-to-shoulder with Kenyan competitors Charles Kiboino and Franklin Kibet in a clean, intense duel, abc.es reported. Kiboino finished just one second behind in 27:37, while Kibet secured third place in 27:38, marca.com reported.
Kwizera unleashed a powerful final sprint over the last 200 meters to break away from his rivals, diariodesevilla.es reported.
Amebaw Dominates the Women’s Race
In the women’s international race over the same 9,550-meter distance, Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw secured victory with a time of 30 minutes and 41 seconds, marca.com reported. Amebaw bided her time behind early leader Charity Cherop of Uganda before launching a decisive acceleration near the bell lap.
Cherop finished second in 30:49, and Kenya’s Cynthia Chepkurui took third in 30:57, marca.com reported. The decisive attack caught her rivals off guard on a long, sloping straightaway, abc.es reported.
Carolina Robles finished as the top Spanish runner in eighth position, with compatriot María Forero taking ninth, marca.com reported.
Full Standings and Notable Finishes
Behind the podium trio, another Kenyan runner, Denis Kemboi, crossed the finish line in fourth place, while Thierry Ndikumwenayo, also of Burundian origin and naturalized as a Spaniard, took fifth. Just a second later, Alicante native Miguel Chazarra arrived in sixth position, earning the distinction of being the first runner born in Europe to complete the event.
Andrew Alamisi finished seventh, Dimas Yeko eighth, Berihu Aregawi ninth, and Samuel Cherop tenth. In the women’s competition, Maurine Chebor, Yenenesh Shimket, and Francine Niyomukunzi finished ahead of seventh-placed Dutch runner Amina Maatoug, who was the first European woman, while German athlete Elena Burkard rounded out the top ten.
What Lies Ahead for the Cross Country Season
Following their victories in the event, both Kwizera and Amebaw achieved triumphs in the cross-country race.
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