Kenya’s medal haul rises to 15 at World Masters Athletics Championships

Kenya’s medal tally at the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, has risen to 15, after Alice Chelangat and Peter Kariuki Wanjiri struck gold in the half marathon on Sunday.

Chelangat, 50, delivered a commanding performance in rainy conditions to win the women’s W45 half marathon in 1:23:57.

American Gia Canali finished second in 1:27:24, while Morocco’s Fatima Zohra Maissour took bronze.

“This is a dream come true for me. I am happy for this win. I came well prepared though the field was tough. I am glad to have won my first gold medal in this championship and I hope to do well also in 1500m,” Chelangat said.

Kariuki Wanjiri, 44, completed Kenya’s golden double by winning the men’s half marathon in 1:06:43, maintaining his pace from the start to finish ahead of the chasing field.

The two victories took Kenya’s medal haul to 15 medals — 11 gold, three silver and one bronze.

Kenya’s gold-medal haul has come across both track and field events, with Rosaline David and Florence Chepsoi winning gold in the women’s 5000m, while Eric Hikuku triumphed in the men’s M50 10km race walk.

Sylvia Chesebe won the women’s W35 800m, while Betty Chebet Mwei claimed gold in both the W35 discus and javelin.

Other Kenyan gold medallists include Francis Bowen and Paul Kipkorir in the men’s 5000m, as well as Kariuki Wanjiri in the men’s 10,000m and Chelangat in the women’s half marathon.

Kenya’s silver medals have come through Grace Kidake in the women’s W40 800m, Lewnida Agatha Opiyo in the women’s 5000m and Paul Kipsiele Koech in the men’s 1500m M40.

Caroline Kola has so far claimed Kenya’s sole bronze medal in the women’s W65 shot put.

The 26th World Masters Athletics Championships began on August 22 and will run until September 3, bringing together masters athletes competing across various track, field and road-running disciplines.

Gold Medalists

Rosaline David – Women’s 5,000m W45 – 18:57.20

Florence Chepsoi – Women's 5,000m W40 – 18:19.37

Eric Shikuku – Men's M50 10km Race Walk – 49:35

Peter Kariuki Wanjiru – Men's M40 10,000m – 1:14

Sylvia Chesebe – Women's 800m W35 – 2.09

Betty Chebet Mwei – Women's W35 Discus – 42.44

Betty Chebet Mwei – Women’s Javelin W35 – 41.51

Francis Bowen – Men’s 5,000m M50

Paul Kipkorir – Men’s 5000 M40

Alice Chelangat – Women’s Half Marathon

Peter Kariuki – Men’s Half Marathon

Silver Medalists

Grace Kidake - Women's W40 800 - 2.18.75

Lewnida Agatha Opiyo – Women’s 5000

Paul Kipsiele Koech – Men’s 1500m M40

Bronze Medalist

Caroline Kola – Women’s W65 Shotput