In the Almond Blossom Cross Country, the last major meet before the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus on March 30, the 18-year-old Kiplimo won the men’s race in 29min 00sec.

Having already won IAAF Cross Country Permit races in Atapuerca, Soria, Alcobendas and Seville this season, the teenager triumphed ahead of Kenya’s Davis Kiplangat, who was given the same time but finished a few strides behind, and Sweden’s Robel Fshia, who crossed the line in 29:50.

Kiplimo complained afterwards of pain in his back.

"I had to manage my pace throughout the race so that I wouldn’t compromise my main goal, the IAAF World Cross Country Championships," he said.

"On the final lap I felt I could increase my pace, but Kiplangat showed that he is strong too."

In the women’s race, Cherono finished four seconds ahead of her compatriot Daisy Jeptoo Kimeli in 20:15, while Spain’s Trihas Gebre completed the podium, finishing in 20:44.

Cherono, a former Summer Youth Olympic Games 3,000 metres steeplechase champion, took the lead early on and could not be caught.