Senior men’s short race
Kenya’s John Kibowen over turned the form book with a surprise victory over his better known friend and training partner Daniel Komen to become the first ever world short course cross country champion.

Kibowen, 28, shot into the lead at the gun and apart from brief periods when the pace was forced by Komen or John Kosgei, the 1996 Grand Prix steeplechase champion, it was Kibowen who headed the 103-man field.

Kibowen went through the first kilometre in 2:40 and was timed at 5:24 and 8:10 at the intermediate checkpoints. The speed of the innovative four kilometre race was frightening fast with no concession being made to the mid-80s heat and the undulating course.

Despite predictions that the rest of the world may capture medals at the shorter distance, the race turned into a private battle between the Kenyan contingent.

Kibowen finished ahead of four of compatriots, stopping the clock at 10:43 to lift the $40,000 first prize. Ironically it was his first victory since July regardless of the surface.

"It was my aim to run hard from the start because I knew all my team mates were going to be tough to beat," said Kibowen. "I was not surprised with my victory because I knew how well my training has been going."

"Now my aim for the summer is to break the 1,500 or mile records," he added. Kibowen ranked seventh on last year’s 1,500 lists with the 3:30.44 he ran when finishing second in the Nice Grand Prix.

Komen was not too unhappy with another silver medal after returning to the championships following a four year absence. He was timed at 10:46.

"I don’t mind losing to Kibowen, he’s my friend but this could be the start of a great rivalry," said Komen.

World junior steeplechase record holder Paul Kosgei came through strongly in the second half of the race to finish third in 10:50.
More post race quotes:
John Kibowen

" I have been training hard in Nairobi for the past few weeks and knew I was in good shape. We had a plan before the race to fill the first places. It was important for Kenya to win this new race. I thought Komen may have been a little tired after coming back from Australia where he broke the world best for 2 miles."

Daniel Komen