The mixed-gender cross-country 4x1500m relay is a thrilling event at the World XC Championships in its fourth edition. Last year, Australia had a strong team on paper with middle-distance runners Olli Hoare and Jessica Hull, but they only managed to secure a bronze medal and were not in contention for the win.
Kenya is expected to have a strong team this year, possibly featuring three of the four legs from the previous year. Athletics Kenya’s decision to lead off with 800m runner Emmanuel Wanyonyi proved successful in the past and may be repeated this year.
Ethiopia is taking a different approach by including veteran 5000m runner Hagos Gebrhiwet in one of the legs. Gebrhiwet, who could have raced in the 10km event, has opted for the 1500m leg. Japan’s team includes Nozomi Tanaka, a middle-distance star with impressive performances, including a 14:29.18 5000m PB.
The U.S. quartet consists of Kasey Knevelbaard, Ella Donaghu, John Reniewicki, and Katie Izzo. They have shown strong indoor performances and Izzo has dropped down in distance after competing in the European XC circuit and setting a half marathon PB of 1:10:43. While they face tough competition, anything is possible in this new and unpredictable event.
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