Beijing Olympic Games

Updated: 2008-01-08 From: Xinhuanet

KAMPALA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) — Ugandan runner Moses Kipsiro has put up a spirited performance under chilly winter temperatures to become the third athlete in history to defend the Belfast International cross-country title on Saturday.

On a muddy course with snow and the temperatures at minus, Kipsiro, in a long sleeved T-shirt with gloves, proved that his finishing kick had come of age, when he clocked 30 minutes and 19 seconds over the 12km distance.

The world 5,000m bronze medalist was in charge from the start with Kenya’s duo of Barnabas Kosgei, the 2006 winner, and Patrick Makau, silver medalist in last year’s World Road Running, closely following.

However, at the final lap, Makau failed to manage the pace, leaving Kosgei and Kipsiro to battle in a two-horse race.

The final lap saw Kipsiro surge forward with his trademark final kick to join Britain’s Roger Hackney and Ismael Kirui of Kenya as successive Belfast race winners.