Cherotich, Chepng'eno out to restore Kenya's 3,000m dominance at World U20 Championships

Two rising stars from Kericho County, are carrying Kenya's hopes of reclaiming the women's 3,000 metres title at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Faith Cherotich Rono and Mercy Chepng'eno Mageso earned their tickets after finishing first and second respectively at the national trials held two months ago.

Cherotich clocked 8:58.22, narrowly edging Chepng'eno, who crossed the line in 8:59.00, setting up what promises to be another exciting chapter in their growing rivalry.

For 18-year-old Chepng'eno, the championships represent another milestone in a career that continues to gather momentum.

The youngster announced herself on the continental stage with bronze in the 2,000-metre steeplechase at the 2025 African Under-18 Championships in Nigeria, before finishing eighth at both the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, USA, and the African Senior Championships in Ghana earlier this year.

Chepng'eno says switching from the 400 metres to the steeplechase on the advice of her coach transformed her career, and she now believes the move has positioned her to challenge the world's best.

“I promise to fight hard in Oregon and return home with a medal. When I joined the training camp, I was running the 400m, but my coach told me to run the 3,000m steeplechase. I decided to give it a try, the coach told me I had great speed and urged me to try the 3,000m flat,” she said.

Kenya will be seeking its first women's 3,000-metre gold at the World Under-20 Championships since Betty Chelangat's triumph in Cali, Colombia, in 2022, where she claimed victory in 9:01.03.

Cherotich believes Kenya has assembled a strong squad capable of returning the title to the country's rich distance-running cabinet. She credits the structured training programme at Lemotit for sharpening both her discipline and competitive mindset ahead of the championships.

“The training camp prepared me well, particularly regarding discipline and adherence to the schedule and all training requirements. I am heading to Oregon aiming for victory, and upon my return, I will know where I need to improve further,” said Cherotich.

Kenya has named a 23-member team, comprising 12 boys and 11 girls, for the 21st edition of the championships, which will be held in Eugene, Oregon, from August 5 to 9, with the team hoping to reinforce the country's reputation as a global powerhouse in middle and long-distance running.