Thika showdown beckons as AK rolls out full throttle attack on 2026 global championships

Athletics Kenya (AK) have called on athletes eager to take an early lead in the 2026 season to seize the opportunity presented by the second track and field weekend meeting, scheduled for January 15–17 at Thika Stadium. 

The Thika meet comes on the back of the cancellation of the opening leg that had been scheduled for Mumias on November 7–8.

In response, Thika will now stage a full-blooded programme, incorporating all the events that were originally earmarked for Mumias, turning the venue into a three-day hub of high-octane action.

A total of 19 disciplines will be contested, offering athletes a comprehensive competitive test across the spectrum. Track events will feature the 100m, 110m/100m hurdles, 200m, 400m, 400m hurdles, 800m, 1,500m, 3,000m steeplechase, 5,000m, 10,000m and race walk for both men and women.

The field events promise equally fierce battles, with the hammer throw, javelin, discus, shot put, long jump, high jump and triple jump on the card, alongside the combined events (decathlon and heptathlon).

In a statement, the federation underscored the significance of the meet as a launchpad for athletes plotting an explosive 2026 campaign.

“The Thika meet is set to play a key role in preparations for a packed 2026 athletics calendar,” the federation said.

The season ahead is laden with high-stakes global championships.

Among the early highlights will be the World Relay Championships in Gaborone, Botswana, in May, before the Commonwealth Games take centre stage in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.

September will then usher in a double global spectacle, with the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, followed by the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

“Against this backdrop, the Thika competition offers athletes a valuable platform to assess form, sharpen fitness and set the tone for the season ahead,” the statement added.

Beyond bragging rights and form checks, prize money will also be on offer, with winners in each event set to pocket Sh20,000, while second and third place finishers will earn Sh15,000 and Sh10,000 respectively.

The 2025 edition of the Thika meet delivered several standout performances. Three-time African race walk champion Samuel Gathimba stormed to victory in the men’s 10,000m walk, clocking 41:44.7 ahead of Heristone Wanyonyi (42:40.6) and Stephen Ndagiri (42:55.2).

In the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, Celestine Biwott produced a commanding display to win in 10:16.3, finishing well clear of Dorothy Kimutai (11:00.4) and Ann Ndungu (11:02.20.

The men’s 100m saw veteran sprinter Boniface Mweresa turn back the clock with a sharp 10.1 seconds, with Dennis Mwai and Isaac Omurwa chasing home in identical 10.2.

Athletics Kenya has reiterated that logistical compliance will be key for all participants.

“Athletics Kenya urges athletes to complete registration in advance, noting that bib numbers will be issued on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Thika Stadium between 9 am and 6 pm. No registration or bib collection will be conducted during competition days,” the federation cautioned.