Jakob Ingebrigtsen Wins European Cross Country Title Again

Jakob Ingebrigtsen dominated the European Cross Country Championships in Turkey securing the men’s senior title for the third time in four years. The 24-year-old Olympic 5,000m champion, who skipped the event last year put on a powerful performance in Dokuma Park, Antalya. Ingebrigtsen pulled away from the competition in the final lap to finish with a time of 22 minutes 16 seconds, eight seconds ahead of Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa in second and Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo in third.

Great Britain’s Rory Leonard led the British contingent finishing ninth which helped secure bronze for the British men’s team. In the women’s senior race, Italy’s Nadia Battocletti took the victory while Britain’s Kate Axford finished tenth contributing to a silver medal for the women’s team. Additionally, Great Britain and Northern Ireland claimed bronze in the inaugural mixed relay event.

In the under-23s competition, Britain’s Will Barnicoat successfully defended his title, finishing ahead of Ireland’s Nicholas Griggs with teammate David Stone securing third. GB’s Phoebe Anderson claimed the women’s U23 title while Innes FitzGerald and Jess Bailey finished first and second in the women’s U20 race. In the men’s U20 event, George Couttie took second place.

In total, the British team achieved a strong showing across all categories with multiple medal finishes including individual and team podiums. Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s victory solidified his dominance in European cross-country while the British team celebrated a solid performance at this year’s championships.