Nadia Battocletti of Italy defended her title at the Campaccio International Cross Country, winning the women's 6km race in 21:10 despite slippery terrain. Burundi's Egide Ntakarutimana dominated the men's 10km event with a time of 30:38. The World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting took place on January 25, 2026, in San Giorgio su Legnano, Italy.
The Campaccio International Cross Country, a prestigious fixture in the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold series, unfolded under challenging conditions on January 25, 2026, in San Giorgio su Legnano, Italy. Light rain and heavy mud turned the iconic course into a test of endurance and skill, with athletes navigating three laps for the women and five for the men.
In the women's 6km race, a compact field set a measured pace on the first lap, featuring Battocletti, 2024 winner Francine Niyomukunzi of Burundi, Elvanie Nimbona of Burundi, and Italy's Giulia Zanne. Battocletti surged ahead on the second lap, though a slip in a muddy section briefly slowed her. She recovered to pull away on the final lap, securing victory in 21:10. Niyomukunzi finished second in 21:32, just ahead of Nimbona at 21:33. Britain's Emily Collinge took fourth in 21:34, followed by Italy's Lucia Arnoldo in 21:52.
Battocletti reflected on the tough conditions: “There was so much mud in some corners, you almost sank into it – I even crashed on the second lap. We started quite slowly, but in the technical sections I realised it was difficult to stay together, so I decided to push on for safety. Winning Campaccio for the second year in a row is really special. It’s a great way to start my 2026 season.”
The men's 10km race stayed competitive early, with Burundi's Celestin Ndikumana, Ntakarutimana, Uganda's Dolphine Chelimo, and Italy's Luca Alfieri leading from the fourth lap. Ntakarutimana and Ndikumana dropped Chelimo on the final lap, before Ntakarutimana's solo attack clinched the win in 30:38. Chelimo rallied for second in 30:45, tying with Ndikumana for third. Tunisia's Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui and Ethiopia's Abrham Sime finished fourth and fifth, respectively, with Alfieri sixth in 31:06.
Ntakarutimana, who placed 10th in 2025 and fourth in 2024, said: “I’m very happy with how I ran today. After some ups and downs, I’ve regained confidence and form thanks to my training group. I’ll continue with the cross-country season and try to keep representing my club at my best.”
These results highlight early-season form ahead of the cross-country calendar.
