Burundian Athletes Dominate Amorebieta Cross Country

Egide Ntakarutimana at the finish of the Amorebieta cross country on 18 October 2026.
Photo: De Pedro Fotógrafos / World Athletics via Sportnewsafrica

Burundian athletes secured top finishes at the Amorebieta cross country event held in Spain on 18 October 2026. Egide Ntakarutimana claimed victory in the men's race, completing the course in 25 min 18 s. Ethiopia's Likina Amebaw won the women's race, finishing with a time of 28 min 41 s. The Amorebieta cross country event took place in Spain on 18 October 2026, drawing participants to the specific course prepared for the day's competition.

Men's Race Results Overview

Competitors in both the men’s and women’s races navigated a course covering a total distance of 8.7 kilometres. Both the men's and women's races were run over a distance of 8.7 kilometres. Egide Ntakarutimana won the men's race with a time of 25 min 18 s, demonstrating a strong pace throughout the duration of the event. Elie Sindayikengdera secured second place in the men's event, crossing the finish line in 25 min 48 s. Elie Sindayikengdera finished second in the men's race with a time of 25 min 48 s. Peter Rono of Kenya completed the podium for the men's race, claiming third place with a recorded time of 25 min 53 s. Peter Rono of Kenya finished third in the men's race with a time of 25 min 53 s.

Women's Race Performance Details

Francine Niyomukunzi of Burundi secured second place in the women's race. She finished the 8.7-kilometre course in a time of 29 min 12 s. Likina Amebaw of Ethiopia won the women's race with a time of 28 min 41 s, leading the field across the 8.7-kilometre distance. Francine Niyomukunzi of Burundi finished second in the women's race with a time of 29 min 12 s, completing the course shortly after the winner.

International Circuit Status Context

World Athletics designates the Amorebieta cross country meeting as a Gold-level event on the international cross country circuit. The Amorebieta cross country meeting is a Gold-level event on the international cross country circuit. This classification places the Spanish competition among the premier fixtures for long-distance runners globally. Athletes competing at this level earn significant points toward their international rankings, influencing their eligibility for major championships. The status of the meeting attracts a diverse field of elite international talent, contributing to the competitive nature of the races held on 18 October 2026. Organizers maintain this high-tier qualification by adhering to specific standards regarding course quality and participant caliber. Runners such as Egide Ntakarutimana and Likina Amebaw participated in this Gold-level environment to further their professional standing within the sport. The event continues to serve as a key destination for cross country athletes seeking to establish their records against top-tier international rivals. The designation ensures that the results achieved in Spain on 18 October 2026 are recognized by the governing body for their impact on the global standings of the participating athletes.