Athletics: Smith off the pace at world champs

Distance runner Kimberley Smith has finished 13th at the world cross country championships in Amman, Jordan.

The United States-based Aucklander forced the pace through the first two laps before the African contingent took over the front running.

Smith recorded 27 minutes 5 seconds for the 8km, 52sec behind the winner Florence Kiplagat of Kenya.

At the 2005 championships Smith finished 12th.

New Zealand's only other competitor at the championships, Nicki McFadzien, of Christchurch was 35th in the junior women's 6km in 22min 15sec.

- NZPA