EDINBURGH, (Reuters):

Kenenisa Bekele underscored his stature as the world's best cross country runner with a dominating display to retain his title at the Great Edinburgh International Cross Country race yesterday.

Running against piercing winds in muddy conditions, the 24-year-old Ethiopian solidly defeated the finest field of runners assembled so far this season.

Bekele, the five-time defending double world cross country champion, broke from the field just 18 minutes into the 9.3 km race en route to a 10 second victory over Eritrea's Zersenay Tadesse, this year's world road running champion.

"I knew it was going to be a strong race, so I prepared really well," Bekele said. It was his 26th consecutive cross country victory, a streak that began on December 29, 2001.

Citing a lack of motivation, Bekele has indicated repeatedly that he would not defend his title at the next world championships, scheduled for March 24 in Mombasa, Kenya.

something special

He repeated that stance while suggesting he would only change his mind if "something special" arose, though he did not elaborate.

Another Ethiopian, the world short course champion Gelete Burka, alo retained her title in the women's race.

Running more conservatively in the dismal conditions she made the decisive move with about 600 metres left en route to a nine second victory over Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot.