Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei is confident Kenya will once again rule the roost at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, next year, as the nation chases a third consecutive overall title.
In 2023, Kenya stamped its authority in Bathurst, Australia, dominating the senior men’s and women’s 10km races, the Under-20 men’s contest and the mixed relay.
The script was the same in Belgrade, Serbia, the following year, with Kenya sweeping the senior crowns, the mixed relay, and the U-20 men’s race.
Read Also
On Saturday, Athletics Kenya unveiled a formidable 34-member squad from the national trials at Eldoret Sports Club, set to carry the nation’s hopes in Florida.
Leading Kenya’s charge is the indomitable Beatrice Chebet, world record holder over 5,000m and 10,000m, who will be aiming to defend her women’s title, alongside 2023 World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu.
Enjoying this article?
Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans
In Belgrade, Chebet led a stunning Kenyan podium sweep, clocking 31:05 ahead of Lilian Kasait (31:08) and Margaret Kipkemboi (31:09).
“In 2023, we won the overall title in Australia and repeated the same in Belgrade, so you are going to defend our title. I have no doubt in my mind that you are going to do well,” said Tuwei.
“This is the first event of the 2026 calendar year, so make sure you do your best,” he urged.
Tuwei also congratulated the team, while sending a stern warning on doping.
"Doping will ruin your body, the image of the federation, and the country. We have been in Category A for a while because of doping, and we must get out of that state.”
He lauded the government’s efforts in combating the menace but urged athletes to take personal responsibility.
“The government has done as much as possible and we are also doing our best,” he added.
Director of Sports at the Ministry of Sports, Jackson Indakwa, said, “The competition has been really intense. The talent we’ve seen gives us confidence that we will go to Florida and get titles."
He echoed Tuwei’s concerns over doping, warning that the scourge could cripple Kenyan sport if not eradicated.
“We have a huge challenge in doping as a country. Coaches should advise athletes that they can run clean and still win,” he emphasised.
Simiu defended the men’s 10km race in 30:11, edging out Kevin Chesang (30:12) and Denis Kemboi (30:13).
“If called upon, I have no compromise. My country is more important than anything else, and I’m happy to represent Kenya. Cross country is in my blood and veins, and I’m proud to run for the flag,” he said.
He hadn’t planned to compete after his taxing outing at the Chicago Marathon, where he clocked 2:07:52 to finish 13th in only his third marathon.
“I was not planning to run because I was fatigued after Chicago,” he admitted. “But when my employer, the Kenya Police Service, requested me, I decided to come and give it my all.”
His win marked back-to-back national titles, having also reigned supreme in February with a time of 30:48.
In the women’s contest, Maurine Chebor delivered a scintillating run to claim the national crown in 34:16, holding off Brenda Jepchumba (34:19) and Glorious Jepkirui (34:26).
Chebor, who upgraded from her runner-up finish in February, was elated after the breakthrough victory.
“I thank God for this win and good health. The race was very competitive, but I pushed myself all the way,” she said.
She recalled running through injury earlier in the year, when she clocked 34:33 to finish second behind Brillian Kipkoech (34:30).
“Last time I had an injury but still managed a podium. This time I was injury-free and in great shape,” she added.
In the Under-20 men’s 8km race, Emmanuel Kipkorir (24:22), Frankline Kibet (24:25), and Andrew Alamisi (24:29) sealed the podium, while in the women’s 6km, Cynthia Chepkirui (20:38) triumphed ahead of Mirriam Kibet (20:49) and Lonah Cherono (21:00).
Purity Chepkirui (6:53), Judy Kemunto (7:00), and Winfred Mbither (7:02) took the top three spots in the women’s 2km loop, while world 1,500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot (6:13) edged Daniel Munguti (6:14) and David Kipkoech (6:15) in the men’s race.
Team Kenya
U-20 6km women
Cynthia Chepkirui, Mirriam Chemutai, Lonah cherono, Mercy Chepng'eno, Caren Chepng'eno, Mercy Chelimo and Anastasia Cheptoo (reserve)
U-20 8km men
Emmanuel Kipkorir, Frankline Kibet, Andrew Alamisi, Edwin Samutia, Kelvin Kiprop, Andrew Kiptoo and Brian Kangie (reserve).
10km women
Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Ng'etich, Maurine Chebor, Brenda Chepchumba, Glorious Jepkirui, Lilian Kasait, Rebecca Mwangi (reserve).
10km men
Daniel Simiu, Kelvin Chesang, Dennis Kipkoech, Shadrack Kipkoech, Weldon Langat, Robert Kiprop and Edwin Bett (reserve).
Mixed relay
Purity Chepkirui, Judy Kemunto, Winfred Mbithe, Reynold Cheruiyot, Daniel Munguti and David Kipkoech.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!