Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo, is fresh from winning the 44th edition of World cross Championship held In Bathurst,  Australia. 

Not even his compatriot Joshua Cheptegei, who was seeking to defend his title, could stopped the World half marathon record holder, in 10km senior men.

Berihu Aragewi of Ethiopia, the 5km World record holder came second whereas 5000m and 10000m World record holder, Joshua Cheptegei closed the podium.

Twice World cross champion, Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya finished in fourth place. Kibiwot Kandie, Daniel Ebenyo, and Sabastian Sawe followed, to secure team title victory for Kenya.

Kiplimo deserving victory didn't just happened. He sacrificed for it, he work for it, and he went for it.

After successful, Oregon World Athletics Championship and Birmingham Commonwealth Games last year. Kiplimo headed for Great North run half marathon on September. 

He easly won his speciality beating Selemon Barega and Kenenisa Bekele who came second and third respectively. 

A few days later, Vedanta Delhi half marathon, which was coming up, on October 16, 2022 announced Kiplimo as one of the stars Invited.

No doubt, Kiplimo was the pre-race favorite. It does not stop there, an Indian all - commers record (58:53) was within his grasp. The record is held by Ethiopia's Amedework Walelegn.

However, a few days before the race, Kiplimo pulled out. The race organisers were non commital to explained the reason. 

It is now emerging that Kiplimo and his Management (Rosa Associates) had to stop road races four month early, to ultimately concentrate on clinching the World cross country elusive title.

Kenyans were still competing in half marathon, less than two months before the World Cross Championship. 

The World half marathon record holder,  forgone 27,000 USD - the prize money for Delhi half marathon and lucrative appearance.

It paid off.

 Kiplimo appearance money will not be the same, should he decide to toe the line in Delhi half marathon this year. His value has increased due to World cross country title.