Ismael Kipkurui of Kenya narrowly defeated Ethiopia’s Samuel Habtom in the 10,000m race at the North West regional event. Securing his spot at the 2025 NCAA Track & Field Championships in the United States. Kipkurui crossed the finish line with a time of 28:09.32, just 0.01 seconds ahead of Habtom, who finished in 28:09.33.
From the start, both athletes set a strong pace, determined to claim victory and advance to the national championships. Kipkurui and Habtom ran stride for stride throughout the final laps, thrilling spectators with their fierce competition. The two runners pushed each other to the limit, showcasing incredible endurance and tactical racing.
However, Ismael Kipkurui showed remarkable composure and speed in the final sprint, inching ahead in the last few meters to clinch the win. His time of 28:09.32 marked one of the fastest times recorded at the regional meet this season. On the other hand, Habtom, though narrowly missing first place, delivered a strong performance that highlighted his potential and determination. Moreover, promising to be a serious contender in the event.
Fans and coaches have expressed excitement about the high level of competition heading into the NCAA Championships. Both athletes have proven they perform well under pressure, and their rivalry promises to continue on the national stage.
With this victory, Ismael Kipkurui looks forward to competing against the best collegiate runners in the U.S, aiming to make a significant impact at the 2025 NCAA Track & Field Championships. Meanwhile, Habtom will also seek to qualify through other regional meets, keeping his championship hopes alive.
The North West regional 10,000m race stands out as one of the most thrilling finishes of the season. Highlighting the fierce competition and emerging talent in collegiate long-distance running. However, fans eagerly await the next chapter in this exciting rivalry.
