Ruto hails Kenyan team for winning World Athletics Cross Country Championships

President William Ruto has congratulated Kenyan athletes for an outstanding performance at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26, praising their dominance and consistency on the global stage.

Kenya produced a commanding display in the U20 men’s race, sweeping the podium in a rare clean sweep that underlined the country’s depth in distance running.

Frankline Kibet claimed the gold medal, with Emmanuel Kiprono finishing second to take silver, while Andrew Alamasi secured bronze. Andrew Kiptoo added to the strong team showing with a fourth-place finish.

“Congratulations to our outstanding athletes for these remarkable performances at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26,” President Ruto said in a congratulatory message.

“We celebrate a brilliant clean sweep in the U20 men’s final, with Frankline Kibet taking gold, Emmanuel Kiprono winning silver, and Andrew Alamasi securing bronze. Andrew Kiptoo’s strong fourth place finish completed a display of total Kenyan dominance.”

The President also singled out Agnes Ngetich for a historic victory in the women’s race. Ngetich, the 10km world record holder, delivered a commanding performance to win the women’s cross-country title, extending Kenya’s dominance in the event.

She crossed the finish line an extraordinary 42 seconds ahead of the rest of the field, securing Kenya’s tenth consecutive title.

“We equally salute Agnes Ngetich for another historic victory,” Ruto said.

“The 10km world record holder won the women’s cross-country title to secure Kenya’s tenth straight title, finishing an extraordinary 42 seconds ahead of the field.”

The strong showing in Tallahassee reaffirmed Kenya’s reputation as a powerhouse in cross country running, particularly at world championships where the country has consistently excelled across age categories.

“You have all demonstrated the greatness that defines Kenya. Well done,” the President said, as he hailed the athletes for flying the national flag high and inspiring future generations of runners.