Eliud Kipchoge outdips Hicham El Guerrouj in the 5000m at the 2003 IAAF World Championships (© Getty Images)
Kenya’s World 5000 metres gold medallist Eliud Kipchoge is the first top name signing for the men’s race at the Great North Cross Country – an IAAF Cross Country Permit meeting – which takes place on Saturday 3 January 2004.
In Paris last August, Kipchoge, 18, stunned the crowd in the Stade de France when he clocked 12:52.79 – a championships record – to beat Morocco’s quadruple World 1500m gold medallist Hicham El Guerrouj and World 10,000m champion Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia, who were both vying for their second title of the World Championships.
"He's phenomenal and not only did he beat El Guerrouj but also Bekele with his victory in Paris," said Race Director Peter Elliott. "I think he can repeat this form next year on the country in Brussels (World Cross Country Championships, 20 – 21 March 2004).”
"For one so young and on the World stage, he showed massive self confidence leaving it until the finishing line before dipping and getting the gold medal. The win was no fluke...he's special."
"Now I've just to get some other runners capable of taking him on," concluded Elliott.
Double World champion Masai to take on home talent
In the women's race, reigning double World short course champion Edith Masai has already confirmed she will return and defend her title in Newcastle. Facing the Kenyan will be top Britons, Jo Pavey, Kathy Butler and Liz Yelling.
Organisers for the IAAF
