Kiplimo itching for a shot at Commonwealth games

Cinque Mulini race

Men's 11km race
1. J. Kiplimo (UGA) 34:00
2. H. Telahun (ETH) 34:17
3. Taye Girma (ETH) 34:31
4. P. Ndegwa (KEN) 34:34
5. Y. Crippa (ITA) 34:36
6. Ande Filmon (ERI) 34:52
7. K. Ghebru (ERI) 35:11
8. Chiappinelli (ITA) 35:11
9. Y. Rachick (ITA) 35:29
10. L. Dini (ITA) 35:37

Jacob Kiplimo cannot wait to hit the track at the Commonwealth Games after setting himself a target of striking 10,000m gold at the quadrennial event.

The World U20 cross-country champion obliterated a strong field to take the honours at the 86th edition of the Cinque Mulini in San Vittore Olona, the sixth and penultimate leg of the IAAF Cross Country Permit circuit.

Immediately after the race, Kiplimo declared his intention to add a Commonwealth medal to his collection.

The games in the Australian city of Gold Coast will run between April 4-15.

"I am very happy with the win in this prestigious race," said Kiplimo.

"It was not a difficult race today. My goal for the season is to run under 27 minutes in the 10,000m and win a medal at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast."

During the Cinque Mulini race, Kiplimo hit the tape in 34 minutes to win the men's 11km, beating Ethiopian Telahun Bekele by 17 seconds to become the first Ugandan to win the race since Boniface Kiprop 14 years ago.

Kiplimo's dream for Commonwealth gold will not come easily. World 10,000m silver medalist Joshua Cheptegei and his blistering pace, poses a serious challenge to Kiplimo's ambition.

Cheptegei is already working on his build up to the Commonwealth Games at a high altitude camp in Kapchorwa, eastern Uganda.

He also has a series of races lined up next month including the inaugural Athletix Grand Prix Series in South Africa where he will feature on March 1 and 8.