2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships
Encyclopedia
The 34th IAAF World Cross Country Championships
were held 1-2 April 2006 in Fukuoka
, Japan
.
The event was once again dominated by Ethiopia
n and Kenya
n runners and also Eritrea
n runners. Kenenisa Bekele
won both men's individual races, proving himself the most successful Cross country runner
.
The event was held at Japan's National Cross Country Course which is the permanent residence of the annual Fukuoka International Cross Country
meeting.
of Kenya finished fourth.
IAAF World Cross Country Championships
IAAF World Cross Country Championships is the most important competition in international cross country running. Held annually and organised by International Association of Athletics Federations , it was inaugurated in 1973, when it replaced the International Cross Country Championships...
were held 1-2 April 2006 in Fukuoka
Fukuoka, Fukuoka
is the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture and is situated on the northern shore of the island of Kyushu in Japan.Voted number 14 in a 2010 poll of the World's Most Livable Cities, Fukuoka is praised for its green spaces in a metropolitan setting. It is the most populous city in Kyushu, followed by...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
The event was once again dominated by Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2...
n and Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
n runners and also Eritrea
Eritrea
Eritrea , officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea derives it's name from the Greek word Erethria, meaning 'red land'. The capital is Asmara. It is bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast...
n runners. Kenenisa Bekele
Kenenisa Bekele
Kenenisa Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, who holds the world record and Olympic record in both the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres events...
won both men's individual races, proving himself the most successful Cross country runner
Cross country running
Cross country running is a sport in which people run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain. The course, typically long, may include surfaces of grass and earth, pass through woodlands and open country, and include hills, flat ground and sometimes gravel road...
.
The event was held at Japan's National Cross Country Course which is the permanent residence of the annual Fukuoka International Cross Country
Fukuoka International Cross Country
The Fukuoka International Cross Country is an annual cross country running competition which takes place in Fukuoka, Japan in either late February or Early March...
meeting.
Long race men
Kenenisa Bekele took his fifth consecutive long race title. At the team competition Eritrea surprisingly beat Ethiopia and lost to Kenya only by four points.Individual
| Medal | Athlete | Time |
| Gold |  Kenenisa BekeleKenenisa Bekele Kenenisa Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, who holds the world record and Olympic record in both the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres events... (ETH Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... ) |
35:40 min |
| Silver | Sileshi Sihine Sileshi Sihine Sileshi Sihine is an Ethiopian long-distance runner.Sihine achieved a silver medal in the 10,000 metres at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as at the 2005 World Championships and 2007 World Championships as well as a bronze medal in 2003... (ETH Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... ) |
35:43 min |
| Bronze |  Martin MathathiMartin Mathathi Martin Irungu Mathathi is a Kenyan long-distance runner, who competes in track, cross country and road running events. Mathathi won the bronze medal in the 10,000 metres at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka. He represented his country in the same event at the 2008 Summer Olympics... (KEN Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... ) |
35:44 min |
Team
| Medal | Athlete | Mark |
| Gold | Kenya Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... Martin Mathathi Martin Mathathi Martin Irungu Mathathi is a Kenyan long-distance runner, who competes in track, cross country and road running events. Mathathi won the bronze medal in the 10,000 metres at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka. He represented his country in the same event at the 2008 Summer Olympics... (3rd) Mike Kipruto Kigen (5th) Hosea Mwok Macharinyang (6th) Simon Koros Arusei (10th) |
24 |
| Silver |  EritreaEritrea Eritrea , officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea derives it's name from the Greek word Erethria, meaning 'red land'. The capital is Asmara. It is bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast... Zersenay Tadese (4th) Yonas Kifle Yonas Kifle Yonas Kifle is an Eritrean runner who specializes in the 10,000 metres, the half marathon and cross-country running. He was born in Adi Billai. He has represented Eritrea at the Olympics on three occasions; in 2000, 2004 and 2008... (7th) Ali Abdallah Ali Abdallah Ali Abdallah is an Eritrean long-distance runner.He finished twelfth in 5000 metres at the 2002 African Championships. At the 2006 World Cross Country Championships he finished eighth in the long race, while the Eritrean team, of which Abdallah was a part, won the silver medal in the team... (8th) Tesfayohannes Mesfen Tesfayohannes Mesfen Tesfayohannes Mesfen is an Eritrean runner who specializes in the half marathon and cross-country running.-Achievements:-Personal bests:*5000 metres - 13:27.06 min *10,000 metres - 28:19.88 min... (9th) |
28 |
| Bronze | Ethiopia Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... Kenenisa Bekele Kenenisa Bekele Kenenisa Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, who holds the world record and Olympic record in both the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres events... (1st) Sileshi Sihine Sileshi Sihine Sileshi Sihine is an Ethiopian long-distance runner.Sihine achieved a silver medal in the 10,000 metres at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as at the 2005 World Championships and 2007 World Championships as well as a bronze medal in 2003... (2nd) Gebregziabher Gebremariam (13th) Ketema Nigusse Ketema Nigusse Ketema Nigusse is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who specializes in cross-country running.At the 2003 World Cross Country Championships he finished thirteenth in the long race, while the Ethiopian team of which he was a part finished second in the team competition. He also finished seventeenth... (26th) |
42 |
Short race men
Kenenisa Bekele took his fifth consecutive short race title. The 1999 winner, Benjamin LimoBenjamin Limo
Benjamin Kipkoech Limo is a Kenyan middle distance runner. He runs every distance from 1500 m to 10,000 m, but mainly competes in 5,000 m, where he has won international medals....
of Kenya finished fourth.
Individual
| Medal | Athlete | Time |
| Gold | Kenenisa Bekele Kenenisa Bekele Kenenisa Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, who holds the world record and Olympic record in both the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres events... (ETH Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... ) |
10:54 min |
| Silver | Isaac Kiprono Songok (KEN Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... ) |
10:55 min |
| Bronze |  Adil KaouchAdil Kaouch Adil Kaouch is a Moroccan middle distance runner.In 1998 he won the World Junior Championships over 1500 metres... (MAR Morocco Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara... ) |
10:57 min |
Team
| Medal | Athlete | Mark |
| Gold | Kenya Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... Isaac Kiprono Songok (2nd) Benjamin Limo Benjamin Limo Benjamin Kipkoech Limo is a Kenyan middle distance runner. He runs every distance from 1500 m to 10,000 m, but mainly competes in 5,000 m, where he has won international medals.... (4th) Augustine Kiprono Choge (7th) Edwin Cheruiyot Soi (8th) |
21 |
| Silver | Ethiopia Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... Kenenisa Bekele Kenenisa Bekele Kenenisa Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, who holds the world record and Olympic record in both the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres events... (1st) Mohamed Ali Aboosh Mohamed Ali Aboosh Mohamed Ali Aboosh is an Ethiopian runner who specializes in the 5000 metres and cross-country running.-Achievements:-External links:... (5th) Sileshi Sihine Sileshi Sihine Sileshi Sihine is an Ethiopian long-distance runner.Sihine achieved a silver medal in the 10,000 metres at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as at the 2005 World Championships and 2007 World Championships as well as a bronze medal in 2003... (12th) Gebregziabher Gebremariam (30th) |
48 |
| Bronze | Morocco Morocco Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara... Adil Kaouch Adil Kaouch Adil Kaouch is a Moroccan middle distance runner.In 1998 he won the World Junior Championships over 1500 metres... (3rd) Hicham Bellani Hicham Bellani Hicham Bellani is a Moroccan runner who specializes in the 3000 and 5000 metres.-Achievements:-Personal bests:*1500 metres - 3:33.71 min *3000 metres - 7:33.71 min *5000 metres - 12:55.52 min... (14th) Khalid El Aamri (15th) Hamid Ezzine Hamid Ezzine Hamid Ezzine is a Moroccan long-distance runner who specialized in the 3000 metres steeplechase. He is currently under suspension for a doping-related offense.... (21st) |
53 |
Individual
| Medal | Athlete | Time |
| Gold | Mangata Ndiwa (KEN Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... ) |
23:53 min |
| Silver | Leonard Komon Leonard Komon Leonard Patrick Komon is a Kenyan long-distance runner and the current world record holder in the 10 kilometres and 15 km road races.... (KEN Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... ) |
23:54 min |
| Bronze | Tariku Bekele Tariku Bekele Tariku Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, who specializes in the 5000 metres. He is the younger brother of Kenenisa Bekele. He is the fourth fastest Ethiopian ever over 5000 m and 3000 metres... (ETH Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... ) |
23:56 min |
Team
| Medal | Athlete | Mark |
| Gold | Kenya Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... |
16 |
| Silver | Ethiopia Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... |
24 |
| Bronze | Eritrea Eritrea Eritrea , officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea derives it's name from the Greek word Erethria, meaning 'red land'. The capital is Asmara. It is bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast... |
45 |
Individual
| Medal | Athlete | Time |
| Gold | Tirunesh Dibaba Tirunesh Dibaba Tirunesh Dibaba also known as Tirunesh Dibaba Kenene is an Ethiopian long distance track athlete and the outdoor 5000 metres world record holder. She is the current Olympic 5000 metres and 10,000 metres champion... (ETH Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... ) |
25:21 min |
| Silver |  Lornah KiplagatLornah Kiplagat Lornah Kiplagat is a Dutch long-distance runner. She was born in Kabiemit, Rift Valley Province, Kenya and came to the Netherlands in 1999. She gained Dutch citizenship in 2003 and has competed for the Netherlands since... (NED Netherlands The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders... ) |
25:26 min |
| Bronze | Meselech Melkamu Meselech Melkamu Meselech Melkamu is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, who specializes in the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and cross-country events... (ETH Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... ) |
25:38 min |
Team
| Medal | Athlete | Mark |
| Gold | Ethiopia Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... Tirunesh Dibaba Tirunesh Dibaba Tirunesh Dibaba also known as Tirunesh Dibaba Kenene is an Ethiopian long distance track athlete and the outdoor 5000 metres world record holder. She is the current Olympic 5000 metres and 10,000 metres champion... (1st) Meselech Melkamu Meselech Melkamu Meselech Melkamu is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, who specializes in the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and cross-country events... (3rd) Wude Ayalew (5th) Mestawet Tufa Mestawet Tufa Mestawet Tufa is an Ethiopian long-distance runner. She was the winner of the women's 10,000 metres at the 2007 All-Africa Games and the runner up in the senior women's race at the 2008 World Cross Country Championships.She competed at the Olympic Games, but did not finish her 10,000 metres... (7th) |
16 |
| Silver | Kenya Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... Evelyne Nganga Evelyne Nganga Evelyne Wambui Nganga is a Kenyan long-distance runner who specializes in the 10,000 metres.In 2006 she won the silver medal in the 10,000 metres at the Commonwealth Games in March. In April she participated at the World Cross Country Championships, where she finished eighth in the long race and... (8th) Faith Chemutai Faith Chemutai Faith Chemutai is a Kenyan long-distance runner.She won the silver medal in 5000 metres at the 1998 World Junior Championships. At the 2006 World Cross Country Championships she finished ninth in the long race. The Kenyan team, of which Chemutai was a part, won the silver medal in the team... (9th) Alice Chelangat Alice Chelangat Alice Kimetto Chelangat is a Kenyan long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon race. She represented her country in the event at the 2004 Olympic Games... (10th) Mercy Wanjiku Njoroge (12th) |
39 |
| Bronze |  JapanJapan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... Kayoko Fukushi Kayoko Fukushi is a Japanese long-distance runner who specializes in the 5000 and 10,000 metres. Fukushi represented Japan at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics.... (6th) Yoshimi Ozaki Yoshimi Ozaki Yoshimi Ozaki is a Japanese long-distance runner, who specializes in the marathon. She won the 2008 Tokyo Women's Marathon in a personal best time of 2:23:30 hours... (19th) Megumi Oshima Megumi Oshima , née is a Japanese long-distance runner who specializes in the 10,000 metres and the marathon race.-Achievements:-Personal bests:*5000 metres - 15:17.92 min *10,000 metres - 31:34.01 min... (25th) Yumi Sato (30th) |
80 |
Individual
| Medal | Athlete | Time |
| Gold | Gelete Burika (ETH Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... ) |
12:51 min |
| Silver | Prisca Jepleting Ngetich Prisca Jepleting Ngetich Priscah Jepleting Cherono, née Ngetich is a Kenyan runner who specializes in the 5000 metres and cross-country running. She has represented Kenya twice at the World Championships in Athletics, winning bronze in the 5000 m in 2007... (KEN Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... ) |
12:53 min |
| Bronze | Meselech Melkamu Meselech Melkamu Meselech Melkamu is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, who specializes in the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and cross-country events... (ETH Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... ) |
12:54 min |
Team
| Medal | Athlete | Mark |
| Gold | Ethiopia Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... Gelete Burika (1st) Meselech Melkamu Meselech Melkamu Meselech Melkamu is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, who specializes in the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and cross-country events... (3rd) Bezunesh Bekele Bezunesh Bekele Bezunesh Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who specializes in cross-country running and marathons.She was born in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa... (9th) Teyba Erkesso Teyba Erkesso Teyba Erkesso Wako is an Ethiopian runner who specializes in road running as well as cross-country running.... (12th) |
25 |
| Silver | Kenya Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... Prisca Jepleting Ngetich Prisca Jepleting Ngetich Priscah Jepleting Cherono, née Ngetich is a Kenyan runner who specializes in the 5000 metres and cross-country running. She has represented Kenya twice at the World Championships in Athletics, winning bronze in the 5000 m in 2007... (2nd) Beatrice Jepchumba Beatrice Jepchumba Beatrice Jepchumba is a Kenyan runner.-Achievements:-Personal bests:*1500 metres - 4:04.08 min *3000 metres - 8:35.07 min *3000 metres steeplechase - 10:11.5 min *5000 metres - 14:52.08 min... (6th) Vivian Cheruiyot Vivian Cheruiyot Vivian Cheruiyot is an athlete from Kenya who specialises in long distance running. She represented Kenya at the 2000 Summer Olympics and the 2008 Summer Olympics... (8th) Isabella Ochichi Isabella Ochichi Isabella Bosibori Ochichi from Kenya was the silver medal winner in the final of the women's 5,000 meter race at the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens, Greece. She finished in a time of 14:48.19, about 2.5 seconds behind the winner, Meseret Defar of Ethiopia.In 1997, aged 17, she competed in... (10th) |
26 |
| Bronze |  AustraliaAustralia Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area... Benita Johnson Benita Johnson Benita Willis is an Australian distance runner, who is a three-time national champion in the women's 5,000 metres.... (4th) Melissa Rollison Melissa Rollison Melissa Rollison is an Australian professional triathlete and former middle distance runner, who specialised in steeplechase. She is the 2011 Ironman 70.3 World Champion.-Athletic career:... (11th) Anna Thompson Anna Thompson Anna Thompson is an Australian runner who specializes in cross-country running.-Achievements:-Personal bests:*1500 metres - 4:22.44 min *3000 metres - 8:58.93 min *5000 metres - 15:42.31 min... (25th) Donna MacFarlane (29th) |
69 |
Individual
| Medal | Athlete | Time |
| Gold | Pauline Korikwiang Pauline Korikwiang Pauline Chemning Korikwiang is a Kenyan long-distance runner who competes in track and cross country running competitions.... (KEN Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... ) |
19:27 min |
| Silver | Veronica Wanjiru (KEN Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... ) |
19:27 min |
| Bronze | Mercy Kosgei (KEN Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... ) |
19:45 min |
Team
| Medal | Athlete | Mark |
| Gold | Kenya Kenya Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east... |
10 |
| Silver | Ethiopia Ethiopia Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2... |
29 |
| Bronze | Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
58 |