Double Olympic champion, Hellen Obiri took the top honors at the Northern Ireland International Cross Country meeting that was held on Saturday at the Billy Neill Country Park, Dundonald.
The 2019 World Cross Country champion lived to the expectations of the race organisers as no one could match her vast experience when she led from the opening lap and only increased her lead cutting the tape in 8:24.
The 32-year-old will now return to Kenya to lead them at the Agnes Tirop Memorial Cross Country Championships that will be held on February 12 at the Lobo Village in Eldoret, before attempting to defend her 5,000m World and Commonwealth titles mid this year.
“It’s my first time running cross-country here,” said Obiri. “The course was challenging but I am used to doing cross country and it’s all part of my preparation ahead of the summer season.”
Hannah Irwin of Northern Ireland came home in second in 27:04 with Scottish athlete Mhairi Maclennan closing the first three podium finishes.
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