Ebenyo, Jepkorir to defend National Cross Country titles in Eldoret
Daniel Ebenyo Simiyu celebrates winning the National Police Service Cross Country Championship at Ngong Race Course in Nairobi on January 19, 2023. Ebenyo said by removing his top he was protesting against his employer for allegedly not recognizing him for his stellar perfomance in athletes. Photo/Sportpicha
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Reigning champions Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and Brillian Jepkorir Kipkoech will lead Kenya’s top runners as they return to the Eldoret Sports Club this Saturday for the Athletics Kenya (AK) National Cross Country Championships.
The event will also serve as the official selection trials for Team Kenya ahead of the 2026 World Cross Country Championships set for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
Ebenyo, the 2023 World 10,000m silver medallist, will be seeking to retain his crown after a commanding victory last year, clocking 30minutes 48seconds ahead of Nickson Kogei and Simon Mungai.
He heads into the race after he finished 13th at the Chicago Marathon in 2:07:52 and having announced to be back to track in the new season.
Team Kenya head coach Julius Kirwa, who was part of the technical team overseeing final preparations in Eldoret, expressed confidence that conditions are ideal for fast races this year.
“It’s all good, the weather is better this year. Last season it was so humid and dry, which made the course harder. The athletes will enjoy a nice breeze because it’s been raining and the course is a bit wet,” said Kirwa.
He added that the championships will help athletes build towards a packed 2026 season.
“Cross country will be a perfect yardstick. We are having a long break for athletes before the Diamond Leagues, the Commonwealth Games, and the ultimate championship in September, so I encourage all athletes to have a plan,” added Kirwa.
Chasing Ebenyo will be cross country series specialist Silas Senchura, fresh from his Roysambu Cross Country victory in 30:25, alongside Alex Matata, a fast-rising road racer aiming for his first national team call-up.
Other strong contenders include NCAA 10,000m champion Ishmael Kipkurui Rokitto, South Rift’s Benson Kiplangat, and KDF’s Emmanuel Kipchumba, all expected to give the defending champion a tough test.
The women’s race will also attract a world-class line-up led by Maurine Jepkoech Chebor of Kenya Police, who will be out to improve on her runner-up finish from last year behind Brillian Jepkorir Kipkoech, who took the women’s crown in 34:30.
With Double world champion Beatrice Chebet missing the action, eyes will be on Sheila Chepkirui, the reigning New York Marathon champion, who will use the event as part of her build-up to defend her marathon crown on November 2.
Veteran Mercy Cherono, Lilian Kasait and Gladys Kwamboka from the Prisons team and Janeth Chepng’etich will add experience to the mix.
The under-20 races will showcase Kenya’s next generation of stars, with World U20 5,000m champion Andrew Alamisi facing Kelvin Kiprop and Emmanuel Lemiso.
The short 2km loop races will feature world 800m champion Lilian Odira and world 1500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot, both expected to thrill fans with their explosive speed and track tactics.
In the girls’ 6km race, Africa U18 3000m champion Cynthia Chepkirui will be the main attraction.
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