Kenya once again stamped its authority on the global stage with a commanding performance at the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, delivering historic results across multiple races.
The standout performance of the championships came in the under-20 men’s 8km race, where Kenya produced a rare and emphatic clean sweep of the podium.
Frankline Kibet, competing in his first world championship, surged late to claim gold in 23:18, narrowly holding off teammate Emmanuel Kiprono, who finished second in 23:20.
Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi completed the podium with bronze in 23:28, while Andrew Kiptoo sealed a remarkable Kenyan lockout of the top four with a fourth-place finish.
By occupying the first four positions, Kenya achieved a perfect team score of 10 points, only the sixth time in championship history that a nation has swept the U20 men’s podium, and a feat unmatched by any other country.
In the senior women’s 10km, Agnes Ngetich delivered one of the most dominant performances ever seen at the championships. The 10km world record holder powered to victory in 31:28, crossing the line a staggering 42 seconds ahead of the field, the second-largest winning margin in the event’s history.
Her triumph secured Kenya’s 10th consecutive individual title in the senior women’s race, underlining the nation’s sustained excellence in cross-country running.
Elsewhere, the championships produced mixed fortunes for Kenya. In the senior men’s 10km, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo made history by winning his third consecutive world title in 28:18, joining legends John Ngugi and Paul Tergat. Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo claimed bronze in 28:45.
The biggest surprise came in the 4x2km mixed relay, where Kenya, previously unbeaten since the event’s introduction in 2017, missed out on the podium entirely. Australia claimed a shock gold medal, with France taking silver and Ethiopia bronze, as Kenya finished fourth after struggling on the technical sections of the course.
Following the impressive results, President William Ruto congratulated the athletes, hailing their performances as a reflection of Kenya’s enduring greatness in athletics.
“Congratulations to our outstanding athletes for these remarkable performances at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26,” the President said.
“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.”
President Ruto also paid special tribute to Agnes Ngetich’s historic run.
“We equally salute Agnes Ngetich for another historic victory. 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.”
He concluded by praising the athletes for inspiring the nation and future generations.
“You have all demonstrated the greatness that defines Kenya. Well done.”
Sports CS Mvurya has also hailed Team Kenya, describing the Tallahassee showing as a clear reflection of the country’s depth, discipline and consistency.
“Through sheer grit, discipline and teamwork, Team Kenya finished in overall position one out of 15 participating countries, securing a total of nine medals and emerging as the best-performing nation at the championships,” said Mvurya.
“This outstanding achievement reaffirms Kenya’s reputation as the home of champions and underscores the importance of sustained investment in sports development, athlete welfare and talent nurturing from grassroots to elite level.”
With Tallahassee now in the history books, attention turns to Belgrade 2027, where Kenya will once again aim to defend its status as the world’s cross-country powerhouse.