Paul Chelimo Opens 2018 with Cross Country Race in Italy

By Adam Kopet

Paul Chelimo will open his winter campaign Saturday with the Campaccio cross country race in San Giorgio su Legnano, Italy, according to an IAAF preview by Diego Sampaolo.

Chelimo's biggest challenger in this year's race might be Norway’s Sondre Nordstad Moen. He has excelled at longer distances, including running under 60 minutes for the half marathon and running 2:05:48 to win the Fukuoka Marathon last month.

The women's race favorite is defending champion Helen Obiri. She won the 5,000 meters at the IAAF World Outdoor Championships last summer. The top American entry is Desi Linden, who was fourth at the 2017 Boston Marathon.