Kwizera ties Bekele with third Itálica victory — image accompanying Athletics Weekly's report. Image accompanying Athletics Weekly’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Rodrigue Kwizera won the Cross Internacional de Itálica for the third time, matching Kenenisa Bekele's record. Kwizera, representing Spain, clocked 27:36 over the 9.55km course. Charles Kiboino of Kenya finished second, one second behind. Frankline Kibet was third, another second back.
Kwizera, who won in 2021 and 2025 for Burundi, became a Spanish citizen this year. His win at the Valencia Half Marathon set a Spanish half-marathon record. Kwizera awaits clearance to represent Spain at the European Cross Country Championships. Read more racing coverage.
In the women's race, Likina Amebaw won in 30:41. Amebaw, based in Spain, improved on her third place from the previous year. Charity Cherop of Uganda was second, and Cynthia Chepkirui of Kenya was third. Related: Izzi Batt-Doyle sets new Oceanic marathon record.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Kwizera ties Bekele with third Itálica victory?
Rodrigue Kwizera wins the Cross Internacional de Itálica for the third time, matching Kenenisa Bekele's record. Rodrigue Kwizera won the Cross Internacional de Itálica for the third time, matching Kenenisa Bekele's record. Kwizera, representing Spain, clocked 27:36 over the 9.55km course. Charles Kiboino of Kenya finished second, one second behind. Frankline Kibet was third, another second back.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on November 8, 2026. The underlying Athletics Weekly report was dated November 8, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
THE WEEKLY BRIEFING
Start the week a step ahead.
A concise edit of the running stories worth knowing, sent every Monday.
