Kenya Dominates at the Beli Kros

The traditional Beli Kros was held for the 59th time on the course at Ušće, organized by the Belgrade Marathon and the Serbian Athletics Federation, under the patronage of the City of Belgrade.

In the main races, the senior men and women competed over a six-kilometre course, and in both categories the athletes from Kenya dominated the competition.

In the women’s race, Kristina Mutai crossed the finish line first with a time of 20:15. Her compatriot Jesinta Kamau finished five seconds behind, while Ruth Mbata placed third with a time of 20:42.
The best-placed domestic athlete was Milica Tomašević, who finished in fourth place (21:06).

Rafael Karita of Kenya was the fastest in the men’s race, finishing with a time of 17:17. His compatriot Waveru placed second (17:30), while Tomislav Novosel of Croatia finished third (17:33).
The fastest representative of Serbia was Aldin Ćatović, who placed fourth (17:39).

Umeja Bogućanin was the fastest in the older junior women’s race over 4.5 kilometres, finishing in 16:52.
She was joined on the podium by Maša Krizmanić, who finished second (17:24), and Petra Vasilić, who took third place (18:16).

Kabir Koca was the fastest in the older junior men’s race over the same distance, finishing with a time of 14:12. Simeon Kljajić claimed the silver medal (14:47), while Filip Bojić took the bronze.

In the older boys’ category (U16) over a 1.5-kilometre course, Mihailo Jakšić claimed victory with a time of 4:50. Alen Sejdović finished second (4:56), while Vukašin Arsenijević placed third (5:00).

In the girls’ U16 category, competing over the same 1.5-kilometre distance, Saida Mušović took the victory with a time of 5:25. Dunja Vukajlović finished second (5:29), while Tara Jaćimović claimed third place (5:40).

There were also highly attended races for the Army and Police over 1,500 metres, held in both senior and junior categories.

The Beli Kros holds the status of a World Athletics Bronze Permit Cross Country meeting, which means that the race meets strict standards in terms of organization and course quality, and that the results achieved allow athletes to earn points for the World Athletics ranking.

The total prize fund for this year’s 59th Beli Kros amounted to €4,000.