Oscar Chelimo Finishes Fourth at 2025 Cross Internacional das Amendoeiras em Flor

Oscar Chelimo showcased remarkable determination at the 2025 Cross Internacional das Amendoeiras em Flor in Albufeira, securing fourth place in a fiercely contested men’s race on Sunday.

The 2022 World 5000m bronze medallist remained within striking distance for much of the 9280m course but fell short of a podium finish as Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera claimed the title. Chelimo, who finished as runner-up in last year’s edition, took a measured approach early on, positioning himself just behind Kenya’s Charles Rotich and Burundi’s Kwizera, who set the pace.

As the race unfolded, defending champion Thierry Ndikumwenayo and Turkey’s Sezgin Atac joined the leading pack, forming a four-man contest at the front.

Kwizera made his decisive move on the penultimate lap, breaking away while Rotich and Ndikumwenayo tried to keep up. Chelimo put in a strong effort to maintain his position but was unable to close the gap in the final stages.

In the end, he crossed the finish line in 27:44, trailing the winner by 42 seconds and finishing 26 seconds short of a podium spot. Kenya’s Rotich secured third place with a time of 27:18.