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Athletes during training at the Windsor hotel, Nairobi\/ TEDDY MULEI<\/p>\nAthletes during training at the Windsor hotel, Nairobi\/ TEDDY MULEI<\/p>\n
Athletics Kenya unveiled a formidable 35-member squad on\u00a0October 25, 2025, at Eldoret Sports Club,\u00a0charged with a singular
\nmission: to defend the nation\u2019s storied legacy at the World Cross Country
\nChampionships.<\/p>\n
It is a responsibility that sits heavily on Kenyan
\nshoulders with distance running woven into the country\u2019s sporting DNA, where the
\nnation has long set the gold standard on track, road and over unforgiving cross-country terrain.<\/p>\n
That heritage is etched deeply into the annals of
\nthe World Cross Country Championships, where Kenya towers over the rest. <\/p>\n
In the senior men\u2019s 10km race alone, the nation boasts
\nan astonishing 35 medals (26 gold, five silver and four bronze), leaving
\ntraditional rivals Ethiopia (30) and England (nine) trailing in its wake.<\/p>\n
Further, Kenyan greats Paul Tergat and John Ngugi
\nhave etched their names into the cross-country books, having won a record five
\nglobal titles.<\/p>\n
Tergat was triumphant from 1995 to 1999, with Ngugi
\ndominating from 1986 to 1989 before adding another crown in 1992.<\/p>\n
On the women\u2019s side, Kenya\u2019s dominance has been even
\nmore emphatic. <\/p>\n
The senior women\u2019s race has been firmly under Kenyan
\ncontrol for 15 straight years, stretching from the 2009 edition in Amman,
\nJordan, through to the 2024 championships in Belgrade, Serbia.\u00a0That golden run was ignited by Florence Kiplagat and
\nsustained by a glittering lineage of champions.<\/p>\n
Among them was the late Agnes Tirop, who conquered
\nthe world in Guiyang, China, in 2015, and double world record holder Beatrice
\nChebet, whose back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024 cemented her place among
\nthe greats.<\/p>\n
The junior ranks have also seen dominance from Kenya, with some of the nation\u2019s greats leaving their marks.<\/p>\n
Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge
\nclaimed the junior men\u2019s crown in 2003 Lausanne, Switzerland while quadruple
\n1,500m world champion Faith Kipyegon sealed back-to-back titles in the junior
\nwomen\u2019s race in Punta Umbria, Spain, in 2011 and Bydgoszcz, Poland, in 2013.<\/p>\n
As the global caravan now shifts to Tallahassee, Florida,
\non Saturday, Kenya arrives as the overall defending champions, having topped the
\nmedals table in Belgrade with a haul of 11 medals (six gold, two silver and
\nthree bronze). <\/p>\n
It was a familiar script, echoing their dominance in
\nBathurst, Australia, in 2023, where they again finished top with 10 medals (six
\ngold, two silver and two bronze).<\/p>\n
Leading the women\u2019s senior 10km charge in
\nTallahassee will be world 10km record holder Agnes Ng\u2019etich, ably flanked by a
\nred-hot supporting cast that includes Maurine Chebor, Brenda Kenei, Rebecca
\nMwangi, Caren Chebet and Joyline Jepkemoi.<\/p>\n
In the men\u2019s senior race, Kenya will look to 2023
\nWorld 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo to spearhead the assault. <\/p>\n
He will be joined by an eager blend of youth and experience, including Ishmael Rokitto, Edwin Bett, Robert Koech, Weldon Langat, Shadrack
\nKoech, Denis Kemboi and Kevin Chesang.<\/p>\n
The U-20 women\u2019s 6km contest will be anchored by
\nCynthia Chepkirui, supported by Mirriam Kibet, Lonah Cherono, Mercy Mageso,
\nCaren Chepng\u2019eno, Mercy Jelimo and Joan Chepkirui. <\/p>\n
On the men\u2019s side, the 8km U-20 race will be led by
\nWorld U-20 5,000m champion Andrew Alamisi, joined by Emmanuel Kipkorir, Frankline
\nKibet, Edwin Elkana, Kevin Biwott, Andrew Kiptoo and Brian Kandie.<\/p>\n
Kenya\u2019s mixed relay squad is equally loaded,
\nfeaturing World 1,500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot, Winfred Mbithe,
\nDaniel Munguti, Purity Chepkirui, David Toroitich and Judy Kemunto.<\/p>\n
However, the Florida showdown promises intense
\nbattles over all categories, with Kenyan athletes bracing for fierce battles against the world\u2019s elite. <\/p>\n
In the senior men\u2019s race, Ebenyo is set to lock
\nhorns with defending champion Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda and Olympic 10,000m
\nsilver medallist Berihu Aregawi of Ethiopia, while the host nation will rally
\nbehind 2024 NCAA 5,000m silver medallist Nico Young.<\/p>\n
In the women\u2019s senior contest, Ng\u2019etich faces stiff
\nresistance from a strong Ugandan contingent led by Rebecca Chelangat. <\/p>\n
The U-20 women\u2019s race will see Cynthia Chepkirui
\nsquare off against defending champion Marta Alemayo of Ethiopia.<\/p>\n
Kenya\u2019s preparation, as ever, has been meticulous.\u00a0The team undertook a month-long high-intensity camp
\nat St Mark\u2019s Teachers College in Kigari, Embu, chosen specifically for its climatic
\nsimilarities to Florida, before shifting base to Nairobi\u2019s Windsor Hotel ahead
\nof departure.<\/p>\n
In a telling show of commitment, the squad
\nsacrificed Christmas and New Year festivities to remain in camp, a decision
\nAthletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei hailed as a mark of unwavering resolve.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thought the team would want to go home to be
\nwith their families during Christmas and New Year festivities. However, you
\ndedicated yourselves to training, and that shows you are serious about this
\nchampionship,\u201d Tuwei, who also serves as World Athletics Vice President, said.<\/p>\n
Tuwei reminded the athletes that, as defending champions,
\nKenyan athletes will have a target on their backs in Tallahassee.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are the defending overall champions. This is a
\nyoung team, and I am confident you will give your very best in Florida,\u201d he
\nsaid.\u00a0\u201cWe wish you all the best as you go out there to
\nrepresent Kenya.\u201d<\/p>\n
Athletics Kenya\u2019s chair of youth development,
\nBarnaba Korir, echoed that confidence, backing the squad to once again deliver
\non the world stage.<\/p>\n
\u200e\u201cKenya will be going out to defend the title we won
\nin Belgrade last year. I am confident this young group of athletes will deliver
\ngood results,\u201d Korir said.<\/p>\n
Yet beneath the optimism lies a lingering concern, particularly
\nin the men\u2019s camp.\u00a0Kenya have not won the senior men\u2019s individual title
\nsince Geoffrey Kamworor\u2019s triumph in Kampala in 2017.\u00a0Since then, Uganda\u2019s distance juggernauts have
\nseized control.<\/p>\n
Joshua Cheptegei lit the fuse with victory in Aarhus
\nin 2019 before completing a historic double in Bathurst in 2023. <\/p>\n
In Belgrade last year, it was Jacob Kiplimo who
\nstood atop the podium.\u00a0Despite the drought, Kenya remains bullish, with coach
\nPatrick Ivuti optimistic that the current crop has the pedigree and preparation to
\nreclaim the crown.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know this time round, with this team, we have the
\npotential to bring back the medal just like in 2017,\u201d Ivuti said.\u00a0\u201cThe training and cooperation from the athletes have
\nbeen good. We have high hopes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kenyan\u2019s main man in Tallahassee, Ebenyo, shares that
\nbelief, convinced Saturday could mark the moment Kenya reasserts its grip on
\nthe men\u2019s title.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am praying to get a medal in Florida,\u201d he told
\nThe Star, his confidence measured rather than boastful.\u00a0He credits Chief Coach Julius Kirwa for sharpening
\nhis mindset.<\/p>\n
\u200e\u201cI am very excited to go to Florida. The Chief
\nCoach, Julius Kirwa, has been encouraging me. He told me this is the chance to go
\nfor glory,\u201d said Simiu.\u00a0\u200e\u201cI am praying that everything aligns and goes as
\nplanned,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
In the women\u2019s ranks, Maurine Chebor arrives
\nbrimming with belief as she targets her first global medal.\u00a0\u201cIndividually, I will go to Florida to fight and
\ncome back home with a medal,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She, however, acknowledged the nerves that come with a
\nmaiden global appearance.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause it\u2019s my first-ever championship, there will
\nbe that factor of tension, but I will have to fight for good results,\u201d she
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Chebor will be drawing confidence from the intensive
\npreparations in Kigari, coupled with her consistent form throughout the 2025
\ncampaign.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have prepared well, and we are ready and
\nconfident to go and fight to defend our team title as well as the individual
\ntitle,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thank the coaches for their guidance and for
\npushing us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her confidence is further rooted in a stellar 2025
\ncampaign.\u00a0Her season began with a strong statement at the
\nNational Cross Country Championships on February 8, where she finished second
\nin 34:33. She then conquered the roads, storming to victory at the Nijmegen 5km
\nroad race in 15:01 before claiming third place at the Tokyo 5km road race in a
\nswift 14:40.<\/p>\n
Chebor later switched gears to the track, finishing
\nsecond over 5,000m at the Kip Keino Classic in 15:14.57, before clocking 15:00.09
\nfor third place at the FAST5000 in Laffitte, France.<\/p>\n
On October 25, she was in imperious form in Eldoret,
\npunching her ticket to Florida by winning the National Cross Country
\nChampionships in 34:17.<\/p>\n
Caren Chebet, making only her second global
\nappearance, is equally ambitious.\u00a0\u201cI am going to fight to ensure I make the podium.
\nThat is my biggest aim in Florida. I hope everything goes
\naccording to plan,\u201d Chebet said.<\/p>\n
Beyond individual glory, Chebet will also be hoping
\nto play a pivotal role as Kenya bids to defend its women\u2019s overall title.\u00a0At the last edition of the World Cross Country
\nChampionships in Belgrade, Serbia, Kenya powered to the women\u2019s team title with
\na low score of 10 points, finishing well clear of Ethiopia (41 points) and
\nUganda (44 points).<\/p>\n
Team coach Isabella Ochichi revealed that preparations
\nhave been both mental and physical.\u00a0\u201cWe have prepared the girls well and encouraged them
\nso that they will not have any fear,\u201d she said.\u00a0\u201cJudging from our preparations, we believe we will
\nstand at the top.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ochichi also called on fans back home for support.\u00a0\u201cWe hope you pray for us so that we can give our
\nbest.\u201d<\/p>\n
The U-20 squad is equally confident, with World U-20
\n5,000m champion Alamisi eyeing another global crown.\u00a0\u201cIn 2024, I was the World U-20 5,000m champion. Now
\nmy main focus is on gold at the World Cross Country,\u201d Alamisi said.<\/p>\n
Despite his bullish outlook, the teenager remains
\nclear-eyed about the depth of opposition lying in wait on the rolling Florida
\ncourse.\u00a0\u201cIt will be a tough competition because Uganda,
\nEthiopia and other European nations are there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, Alamisi believes his current condition places
\nhim firmly in pole position for a golden charge.\u00a0\u201cBut looking at the way my body is responding, I am
\noptimistic about my chances,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Kenya heads to Florida as defending U-20 champions,
\nhaving swept individual and team honours in Belgrade. Alamisi believes the
\ntradition can continue.\u00a0\u201cOur training has been going on well. We had hill
\nwork, speed work and good guidance from the coaches,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Men\u2019s U-20 coach Daniel Gashara summed up the mood
\nin camp succinctly: belief, confidence and hunger.\u00a0\u201cI am happy and positive that we have done our
\npart. The boys are very confident and charged up, so we are confident we will
\ndefend our title, both the individual and the team title.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0The mixed relay battalion is also brimming with belief, with Munguti confident Kenya can extend its hold on the title.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
For the past two editions, Bathurst 2023 and Belgrade 2024, Kenya has been undefeated in the mixed relay race.<\/p>\n
“We are very confident that we will defend our title in Florida. The chemistry in the team at the moment is very high, and the morale and belief is there from all the athletes,” Munguti said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Athletes during training at the Windsor hotel, Nairobi\/ TEDDY MULEI Athletics Kenya unveiled a formidable 35-member squad on\u00a0October…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12494,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[8490,8491,8489,8487,80,264,100,101,99,8488],"class_list":{"0":"post-12493","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kenya","8":"tag-athletes","9":"tag-bronze","10":"tag-championship","11":"tag-eldoret-sports-club","12":"tag-kenya","13":"tag-sports","14":"tag-star-news-kenya","15":"tag-the-star","16":"tag-the-star-newspaper","17":"tag-world-cross-countyr"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12493","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12493"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12493\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12494"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12493"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12493"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}