World cross-country champion Jacob Kiplimo continued his return to racing with a stunning performance at the NN Zevenheuvelenloop, also known as the Seven Hills race, in Nijmegen on Sunday, equalling the world 15km best with 41:05.
Kiplimo’s triumphant performance follows a setback in August when a hamstring injury compelled him to withdraw from the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old has been steadily regaining his competitive edge.
Kiplimo signalled his resurgence a few weeks ago by clinching victory at the Atapureca Cross Country Championships in Spain. Sunday’s race in Nijmegen, Netherlands, served as another testament to Kiplimo’s formidable comeback.
Lining up at the NN Zevenheuvelenloop, Kiplimo dominated the course, crossing the finish line in an impressive 41 minutes and 5 seconds. His time equals the world’s best, a record set five years ago by Olympic Champion Joshua Cheptegei.
Kiplimo’s solo victory reaffirms his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of long-distance running.