Kenya has unveiled a formidable team combining experience and youthful energy for the upcoming World Cross Country Championships set for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida. The national trials held over the weekend produced thrilling performances that reaffirmed Kenya’s dominance in the discipline.
Daniel Simiu, the former world 10,000m silver medallist, claimed the men’s 10km senior title in commanding fashion. Despite stiff competition from Silas Senchura and Kevin Chesang, Simiu demonstrated composure and tactical brilliance, taking charge in the final stretch to secure victory. Kevin Chesang finished second, while Dennis Kipkoech Kemboi took third place. Simiu expressed delight at returning to the national team, adding that cross country remains his strongest event despite his recent marathon exploits.
In the women’s 10km senior category, Maureen Jepkoech produced a stunning late surge to outkick her rivals and take the top spot. Brenda Jepchumba came in second, while Glorius Jepkirui claimed third place. Lilian Kasait narrowly missed a podium finish but showcased strong form heading into the global showpiece.
The mixed relay 2km loop races featured equally impressive performances. Purity Chepkirui, a former world under-20 1500m champion, led from start to finish to claim the women’s section, with Judy Kemunto finishing second. On the men’s side, Reynold Cheruiyot, another world under-20 1500m champion, triumphed with Daniel Munguti following closely behind.
In the junior categories, rising star Cynthia Chepkirui won the women’s under-20 6km race ahead of Miriam Chemutai and Lorna Cherono. The men’s under-20 8km race was dominated by Emmanuel Kiprono Kiprotich, who held off Frankline Kibet and Andrew Alamisi in a tightly contested finish.
Athletics Kenya will send a well-balanced team to Florida, headlined by senior champions Daniel Simiu and Maureen Jepkoech. They will be joined by top talents like Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Ngetich, and Robert Kiprop, while the under-20 and relay squads bring in fresh energy and ambition.
With Kenya’s deep tradition and recent form, the team is poised to defend its status as a cross country powerhouse on the world stage.
