Kenyan athletes made history yesterday at the IAAF world cross country championships at Kololo grounds in Kampala, after they did an unprecedented 1-2-3-4-5-6 clean sweep in the women’s senior 10km.

Irene Cheptai crossed the finish line first in a record 31:57 to lead Alice Aprot and Lillian Kasait to the first ever podium sweep before Hyvin Kiyeng, Agnes Tirop and Faith Chepng’etich closed in on the historic sweep.

“I am very happy to win my first ever World Cross-Country title. This means a lot to me and I am looking forward to competing at the World Championships in London. It was a deep field because we had 3,000m steeplechase record holder Jebet as well as 1,500m Olympic champion Chengetich,” said Cheptai.

Geoffrey Kamworor also made history for the country when he defended his title in the men’s 10km race in the World Cross Country Championships, making him the first man in 11 years to defend his world cross country crown in 28: 24.

Kamworor finished the race ahead of Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei who was seemingly headed for victory.

More than 550 athletes from 59 countries took part at the world’s Cross Country Championships, where Kenya dominated the race.

Kenya was at the top of the medal standing with total 12 medals; 4 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze.