Gemma Steel had to settle for 31st overall as Kenya completed a memorable double at the World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
The 2011 European champion was never really in contention as Emily Chebet won the senior women’s event, before Japhet Kipyegon Korir emulated his compatriot in the men’s event.
Jonathan Taylor matched Steel’s performance as he also came home in 31st as the top Brit in the men’s event.
19-year-old Korir came over the final hill with enough of an advantage to hold off the challenge of Ethiopian defending champion Imane Merga who had to settle for second.
Korir finished with a winning time of 32:45 minutes, six seconds clear of Merga, with Teklemariam Medhin of Eritrea coming home in third just behind. Taylor's time was 34:14.
Earlier Kenya’s Chebet had won the senior women’s title, overhauling Ethiopia’s Hiwot Ayalew on the final hill to take the lead with about 50 metres to go before easing away to victory.
Finishing in a time of 24:24, she was three seconds clear of Ayalew, who had looked in a great position to claim the win after building a significant lead prior to the final hill, Ayalew’s Ethiopian teammate Belaynesh Oljira came home in third. Steel came home in 25:47.
© Sportsbeat 2013