BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Allan Kiprono defended his Bolder Boulder crown as he led Kenya to the International Team Challenge title, ending Ethiopia’s six-year reign in the Memorial Day race.
Kiprono sprinted away from the field late in the 10-kilometer competition on Monday to finish in a time of 29 minutes, 28.79 seconds. His Kenyan teammates weren’t far behind in this unique competition, where three runners from each country team up and their combined finishes determine the winner. Ethiopia finished second.
Merima Mohammed of Ethiopia cruised to an easy victory in the women’s race, raising her hands as she crossed the finish line inside Folsom Field in 33:58.79. Mohammed’s dominating performance helped Ethiopia retain its title for a fifth straight year. Deena Kastor, of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., was the top American finisher in fourth.
