Ng’etich, Ebenyo head Kenyan team for World Cross Country

Kenyan athletes have struck a confident tone ahead of the 2026 World Cross Country Championships scheduled for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, USA.

A strong 35-member squad will be seeking to defend the overall title Kenya won at last year’s championships in Belgrade, Serbia, where the country topped the medal standings with an outstanding 11 medals — six gold, two silver and three bronze.

World 10km record holder Agnes Ng’etich will lead Kenya’s charge in the senior women’s 10km race, her blistering speed expected to play a key role in the country’s title defence. Ng’etich will be supported by a formidable lineup that includes Maurine Chebor Jepkoech, Brenda Kenei, Rebecca Mwangi, Caren Chebet and Joyline Jepkemoi.

In the senior men’s race, 2023 World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo will spearhead the Kenyan assault. He will be backed by a strong and competitive cast featuring rising star Ishmael Rokitto, Edwin Bett, Robert Koech, Weldon Langat, Shadrack Koech, Denis Kemboi, Kevin Chesang and Daniel Munguti.

Munguti highlighted the intensity of the preparations, noting the focus on strength and course demands. “The training was very good, and we concentrated a lot on barriers and strength training because it won’t be easy in America,” he said.

Ebenyo echoed the optimism within the camp, adding: “We are ready because we have worked hard for this, and we are very excited to be here.”

The Under-20 women’s 6km race will see Cynthia Chepkirui lead a promising Kenyan team that includes Mirriam Kibet, Lonah Cherono, Mercy Mageso, Caren Chepng’eno, Mercy Jelimo and Joan Chepkirui. Cherono expressed confidence in the squad’s progress, saying their preparations have been solid as they head to the United States in search of gold.

“We thank our coaches for guiding us well, and we promise Kenyans that we will fight in Florida and return with victory,” said Joan Chepkirui and Cynthia Chepkirui.

In the Under-20 men’s 8km contest, World U-20 5,000m champion Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi will headline a talented lineup that also includes Emmanuel Kipkorir, Frankline Kibet, Edwin Elkana, Kevin Biwott, Andrew Kiptoo and Brian Kandie, as Kenya once again aims to assert its dominance on the global cross country stage.