Legendary Mercy Cherono makes track comeback with Tokyo in mind

Former Commonwealth Games champion Mercy Cherono clocked 15 minutes 45.50 seconds to announce her comeback in style as she won Heat Two of the women’s 5000m at the final Athletics Kenya (AK) Weekend Meeting held at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Friday.

Cherono, 34, finished second in the overall standings of the 12.5 lap race behind 2025 Sirikwa Classic 6km Under 20 champion Cynthia Chepkurui who timed 15:44.81 to register the fastest time in the women’s event.

In her heat, the 2013 World Championships silver medallist held off a late push from Diana Wanza to signal her return with intent following a three-year absence due to maternity break and career development.

She said her main target was to return to Tokyo for this year’s World Championships set for September, four years after finishing fourth place in 5000m final during the Olympics in the Japanese capital.

“I really purposed to be here today. The Kenya Police Championships are coming up next week, and my eyes are on making the cut for the national trials,” she affirmed.

“I’ve been off the scene but never stopped working. My fans have been asking if I’m still running—yes, I am. I’m training well, and the fire is still burning.”

Cherono revealed that she intentionally targeted the final AK meet to assess her form ahead of next week’s Kenya Police Championships, which will be a key event in the buildup to the national trials.

After taking maternity leave in 2023, Cherono joined the National Police Service for studies at Kiganjo Police Training College in 2024.

Her time away from the track was not only about physical recovery but also about adjusting to motherhood and new responsibilities.

“After maternity and police training, I took extra time to bond with my child. Balancing family, training, and work isn’t easy. But I’ve stayed motivated, leaned on my mentors like Janeth Jepkosgei -who’s now a great coach and focused emulating her,” she added.

The women’s 5000m was held in two straight-final heats, with the fastest time determining the overall winner.

Cynthia Chepkurui of Lemotit Athletics Club took top honours with a time of 15:44.81 in heat one, edging out Cherono by less than a second.

Diana Wanza (15:52.04) and Regina Wambui (15:56.54) completed the top four, while KDF’s Ann Nyaguthie Ndichu came in fifth in 16:02.64.

Cherono, who also competed at the National Cross Country Championships in Eldoret in February, says she is not rushing into marathons just yet.

“The Kip Keino Classic is in two weeks, but I won’t be running there. For now, I’m not focusing on the road or marathon—I’m still building back. But expect to see me on the road very soon.”

With her sights now set on the Police Championships, Cherono’s performance at Ulinzi is a huge statement of intent that the long-distance maestro is not done yet.