“I’m just getting started”, Ebenyo savours World Cross-Country bronze

World 10,000 metres silver medalist, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, says his journey is only beginning after clinching a bronze medal at the 46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, USA on Saturday.

Ebenyo produced a stunning performance at Florida’s demanding Apalachee Regional Park, clocking 28:45 to secure his first-ever individual medal at the global cross-country stage. He finished behind Uganda’s triple champion Jacob Kiplimo, who won in 28:18, and Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi, who posted 28:36.

“This is my first medal in the cross-country. I really thank God for the podium finish. I’m just getting started, there is so much in store for me,” Ebenyo said in a post-race interview.

The 30-year-old, who had stepped back from national team duties after missing the Paris 2024 Olympics and the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, dedicated the medal to Kenyans who supported his return to top-level competition.

“The course was tough but I thank God I managed a podium finish. This medal is for all the Kenyans who supported and pushed me,” he added.

Despite opening the season strongly, Ebenyo remained non-committal on whether he will shift focus back to marathon racing or prioritize the track, having finished 13th at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon last year.

“I’m not sure whether I’ll be racing in marathon majors, but I’m excited about the season ahead. We’ll see how the season goes,” he said.

Ebenyo, a serving police officer, is expected back in the country on Wednesday alongside teammates Emmanuel Kiprono and Reynold Cheruiyot.