European half marathon and 10,000m gold medallist Yemaneberhan Crippa won the 78th Giro al Sas 10K on Saturday (4) in front of an appreciate hometown crowd in Trento.
The historic street race had not enjoyed a home Italian winner for 19 years since Stefano Baldini’s win in 2006.
But Crippa wrote a new chapter in the storied event’s history, setting a course record of 27:59 to win ahead of Kenya’s Charles Rotich (28:11). It reversed the result from the same race last year.
Tokyo consolation
"I'm incredibly happy with a victory I've been waiting for a long time," Crippa told FIDAL afterwards. "And I realised the conditions were right. Then, lap after lap, I could hear the cheering, and perhaps even the crowd realised it was the right day."
Crippa, who did not finish the marathon at the recent World Athletics Championships, was pleased to bounce back with a win.
“It can't take away the disappointment of the World Championships, but it's a satisfaction that gives me a fresh start. I found so much support, even though I came away empty-handed from Tokyo, where a poor approach ruined all my work," he admitted.
“The marathon is a tough race. I chose it with my coach Massimo Pegoretti, and I don't want to give up. I'll continue with this distance because, despite everything, I love it."