Cheruiyot seeks fresh rhythm as Kapsabet run ignites 2026 ambitions

Reynold Cheruiyot/ FILE

After a mixed bag of results since the start of the year, world 1,500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot hopes his Kapsabet weekend meeting success will inject fresh pace and renewed momentum into his season.

The 21-year-old began his year at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 10, lining up in Kenya’s mixed relay quartet alongside Winfred Mbithe, Purity Chepkirui and Daniel Munguti.

‎The team was chasing a third successive mixed relay crown at the global showpiece after triumphant runs in Bathurst, Australia (2023) and Belgrade, Serbia (2024).

‎However, the script did not unfold as planned as Kenya missed the podium, clocking 22:42 for fourth.

Australia stormed to gold in 22:23, France secured silver in 22:26, while Ethiopia sealed bronze in 22:34.

‎Cheruiyot swiftly dusted himself off at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour on February 14, where he rediscovered his spark, surging to victory in the men’s 2km loop race in 5:52.

He outkicked Munguti (5:53) and Timothy Cheruiyot (5:54).

‎He then took his campaign indoors at the Hauts-de-France meeting, featuring in the 1,500m short track.

Against a stacked European field, Cheruiyot finished ninth in 3:42.27 with Portugal’s Isaac Nader (3:32.44), Italy’s Federico Riva (3:33.04) and Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran (3:33.09) claiming the podium.

He then returned to home soil in Kapsabet, opting to stretch his range over 5,000m.

‎He placed second in the semi-finals in 14:17.9 behind Kiprono Kiboino (14:09.6), with Alex Pelor third in 14:25.0.

However, when it mattered most, he shifted gears in the final, producing a commanding run to claim victory in 13:52.1, holding off Ridger Chelal (13:53.3) and Andrew Alamisi (13:54.3).

‎Cheruiyot underlined the significance of the 5,000m assignment in sharpening his engine.

‎“I am grateful to have won in Kapsabet. The race helped me build endurance,” he said.

‎He believes the longer distance grind will translate into greater strength and control in his speciality as the outdoor circuit gathers pace.

‎“The only area I need to sharpen is my speed. If I get that right, then I am sure I will get good results in the 1,500m," he said.

The youngster reiterated his desire to dominate upcoming global outings.

"The target for me now is the Commonwealth Games, the Diamond League circuit and finally the World Ultimate Championships," he noted.