Kenya's elite runners set to collide at Eldoret National Cross Country

The Eldoret Sports Club will come alive this weekend as Kenya’s elite distance runners lock horns at the AK National Cross Country Championships, scheduled for Saturday, October 25th, from 2 PM.

This much-awaited event will also serve as the official selection trials for Team Kenya ahead of the 2026 World Cross Country Championships set for January 10, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida, USA.

Athletics Kenya Competition Director Kennedy Tanui confirmed that six positions will be up for grabs in each category.

“The selection criteria will see the top athlete across the line earn an automatic slot to the World Cross Country Championships in Florida. The next two finishers will be subjected to the Athletics Kenya panel of selectors,” said Tanui.

The categories include 10km for senior men and women, 8km for U20 men, 6km for U20 women, and a 2km loop race for both men and women.

Last year, Daniel Ebenyo and Brillian Jepkorir Kipkoech clinched the senior titles, while the 2km loop was dominated by world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi and 1500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot.

Tanui has urged fans to turn up in large numbers and fill the Eldoret Sports Club as the championships get underway.

“I urge all athletics fans to come out in large numbers. This is an afternoon event that will accommodate everyone,” said Tanui.

The South Rift region will send a team of 36 athletes to Eldoret, among the expected 12 regions plus four affiliates. Team coach Richard Koech from Njerian Camp in Bomet County is confident of strong performances.

“We believe we have selected a strong team, and we hope for the best. I urge the athletes to give their best and make Team Kenya proud,” said Koech.

All eyes will also be on Cynthia Chepkirui, the Africa U18 3000m champion, who was honoured as a National Hero during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui. The 17-year-old from Lemotit Training Camp, coached by Paul Kemei, has dominated the Under-20 6km races at both the Sirikwa and Chepsaita Cross Country events last season.

In Florida, Team Kenya will be on a mission to reclaim the men’s senior 10km crown, last won in 2017 by Geoffrey Kamworor.

In recent years, however, Uganda has taken charge, with Joshua Cheptegei winning in 2019 and Jacob Kiplimo claiming back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.

On the women’s side, Kenya will aim defend the title won last year by double world champion Beatrice Chebet, who spearheaded a podium sweep in Bathurst 2023 — clocking 31:05 ahead of Lilian Kasait (31:08) and Margaret Kipkemboi (31:09).

The women’s senior race in Eldoret is expected to see the in-form Maurine Chebor command the spotlight.