Kenyan Triumph at the 57th White Cross

Kenyan athletes Albert Kipkorir Tonui in the men’s and Philes Cheboi Kipkirui in the women’s senior competition are the winners of the 57th White Cross held in the Friendship Park at Ušće. In the eight-kilometer race, which has been held in Belgrade traditionally since 1966 and has the status of a European Athletics Bronze Permit Cross Country Race, Tonui triumphed with a time of 23 minutes and 34 seconds, while Kipkirui finished the race in 28 minutes and 59 seconds. Second place in the men’s competition went to our athlete Elzan Bibić, who lagged behind the winner by seven seconds, while third place went to Hilary Kiptum Maiyo Kimayo, also from Kenya. In the women’s category, another Kenyan, Valentina Jepchirchir, finished second, while our Saima Murić took third place.

This year’s White Cross served as a prelude and also a dress rehearsal for the World Cross Country Championships to be held in Belgrade, at the same venue, on March 30th. Competitions were also organized in the youth and junior categories, with over 120 runners participating from nine countries. Among the youth, the best were Kaid Koca and Umeja Bogućan, while among the juniors, Mejra Mehmedović and Aldin Ćatović triumphed.

The entire technical organization of the White Cross this year was handled by the Belgrade Marathon, and starting from the next season, the White Cross will be officially included as another running event under the auspices of the Belgrade Marathon.

The prize fund in the senior competition amounted to five thousand euros. The City of Belgrade and the Ministry of Sports provided great support for the realization of the 57th White Cross.