Festus Langat of Kenya in Amora (© P. Costa)
The Amora International Cross Country – EAA Permit – meeting is a staple part of the annual Portuguese cross country calendar, and celebrates its sixteenth edition this Sunday 13 November.
One thousand athletes spread across all categories of races have entered attracted by a new course, which has been moved from the old Quinta d’ Atalaia location to a near-by site in Quinta do Serrado. Amora stands on the south side of the Tagus River.
Langat and Rutto top list of entrants
Defending champion Festus Langat of Kenya returns to lead the field in the senior men's 10km competition. Another Kenyan, Philemon Kemei, who was fourth in the junior race at the 2000 World Cross Country Championships is in the field as well. The 23-year-old was second in Amora in 2003 behind compatriot David Kilel.
Also participating will be Adam Ismael Khamees of Bahrain, the 16-year-old who was 23rd at the World Cross Junior race this year, and Ethiopia's Nacir Hussen.
The hosts Portugal will enter the usual array of talent topped by Paulo Guerra, four-times European champion and bronze medallist at the 1999 World Cross, José Rocha, Manuel Silva, Carlos Silva and Alberto Bispo.
In the women’s 5km event, Kenyan Beatrice Rutto will start as favourite. The winner of the Moita Half Marathon (16 October 2005) in a 73:42 should head off the challenge from Portugal’s Marina Bastos, Sandra Teixeira, Cláudia Pereira, Filomena Costa, Leonor Carneiro and Vanda Ribeiro.
Inês Monteiro of Portugal, will not return to defend her title, in a competition which is used by the Portuguese federation as one of their selection events for the European Cross Country Championships, which take place on Sunday 11 December in Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Regional importance
The Amora International Cross Country meeting is one of the most important sporting events in the region. The event started in 1990 and after ten years of growing became an international event, as part of the EAA Permit series.
More than an elite race, it is the popular fixture for the club and fun runners too “The Amora International Cross Country has been for many years a party for people who enjoy running and like to enjoy a sporting occasion. This year we have reached once again one thousand participants, figure which is always a great challenge for us”, said Fernando Tavares of the local organising committee. “The course this year is new but I believe perhaps more enjoyable than the old one since it is more natural and the surrounding scenery is beautiful.”
Paulo Costa for IAAF
