Dutch Hilda Kibet sprints towards the finish line at the International VGZ Warandeloop in Tilburg on November 23. Photo by Reza Lesteluhu

Local favourites Michel Butter and Hilda Kibet completed Dutch domination winning the men's and women's title respectively at the 50th edition of the International VGZ Warandeloop in Tilburg on November 23. While Ana Dias claimed the top prize at the 19th Cross Internacional Cidade de Amora in Amora-Seixal, Portugal.

The two events are a part of European Athletics Cross Country Races for the season 2008-2009.  

24-year-old Butter's victory makes him first Dutch in 15 years to win the coveted title. Tonnie Dirks last won the title in 1993.It was for the first time since 1990 that Dutch athletes emerged victorious in both the categories.

Butter and Belgian Pieter Desmet went neck to neck for most part of the race. It was only a last ditch sprint in the end that made the difference. However in the women's race it was Kibet all the way. The Kenya-born athlete set the pace from the word go and maintained her lead throughout the race.

Meanwhile an interesting tussle was on between Dutch Adrienne Herzog and Belgian Veerle Dejaegere. The two kept trying to outpace each other but Dejaegere maintained a marginal lead throughout the race. It was only at the finish line that Herzog managed to nose ahead of the Belgian in a photo finish forcing her to third place.

In Amora, Portuguese runner Ana Dias overcame a stiff challenge from Kenyan Rahab Ndungu to claim victory in the 5km race at her home turf. Ercilia Machado also from Portugal finished third while Russian Nataliya Popokova came fourth.

Ana Dias of Portugal canters home at the 19th Cross Internacional Cidade de Amora in Amora-Seixal.

In the men's race too the Portuguese runners dished out an inspired performance but failed to overtake Kenyan David Kilel. Sergio Silva led the local challenge distinctly finishing second with a timing of 31.25. Rui Teixeira and Hermano Ferreira finished third and fourth respectively. U23 star Nuno Costa finished fifth with 31:38 and has already been selected for the U23 Portuguese team for SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Brussels on December 14.

Results

International VGZ Warandeloop

Men's:

1) Michel Butter (Netherlands)           30.51   min

2) Pieter Desmet (Belgium)              30.55   min

3) Willem Van Hoof (Belgium)          31.20   min

Women's

1) Hilda Kibet (Netherlands)              27.44 min

2) Adrienne Herzog (Netherlands)      27.54 min

3) Veerle Dejaeghere (Belgium)        27.54 min

Cross Internacional Cidade de Amora

Men's

1. David Kilel  (Kenya)           0:31:18

2. Sergio Silva (Portugal)       0:31:25

3. Rui Teixeira (Portugal)       0:31:30

Women's

1. Ana Dias (Portugal)            0:17:45

2. Rahab Ndungu (Kenya)      0:18:03

3. Ercilia Machado (Portugal)   0:18:20