Budd Wins Cross-Country Title

Zola Budd, the South African native competing for Britain, braved rain, wind and cold Sunday at Colombier, Switzerland, to win the women’s division of the World Cross-Country Championships for the second straight year.

Running barefoot over the muddy and hilly 4,650-meter Planeyse course, the 19-year-old Budd led all the way in her first outdoor race of the season.

Budd, the world 5,000-meter record-holder, was timed in 14 minutes 49.6 seconds, more than 18 seconds ahead of runner-up Lynn Jennings of the United States, who finished in 15:07.80. Third was Annette Sergent of France, who overtook compatriot Martine Fays shortly before the finish.

Little-known John Ngugi of Kenya fought off a late challenge from Ethiopian Abebe Mekonnon and won the men’s race in 35 minutes 32.9 seconds over the 12,000-meter course. Mekonnon, who led briefly about one kilometer from the finish, finished second in 35:34.8. Another Kenyan, Jeseph Kipptum, was third in 35:39.8.