2023 Okpekpe champion, Ebenyo leads Kenya’s star-studded squad for 2026 World Cross Country Championships

Kenya has unveiled a formidable and youthful squad for the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, headlined by 2023 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race champion and record holder, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo.

The team was selected following electrifying performances at the AK/Betika National Cross Country Championships in Eldoret, where seasoned veterans and rising stars battled for national pride and a coveted ticket to Florida. The one-day event drew thousands of fans and showcased Kenya’s unmatched depth in distance running.

Ebenyo, a world silver medallist, clinched the men’s 10km title in a thrilling sprint finish, clocking 30:11.1 to edge out Kevin Chesang Chepsergon (30:12.0) and Denis Kipkoech Kemboi (30:13.0).

He’ll be aiming to improve on his sixth-place finish at the 44th World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia in 2023.

In the women’s race, Maurine Jepkoech Chebor stunned the field with a composed victory in 34:16.4, ahead of Brenda Jepchumba (34:19.8) and Lilian Kasait (34:30.3). They join global icons Beatrice Chebet and Agnes Jebet Ngetich, both automatic selections, to form a glittering senior women’s lineup.

While Kenya continues to invest in cross country as a cornerstone of distance running development, Nigeria remains without a structured program for the discipline.

Critics have slammed the National Sports Commission for agreeing to host a road running conference in Lagos next year, despite having no visible strategy for nurturing distance runners.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), tasked with developing the sport, has long been accused of sidelining road and cross country running, failing to integrate it into its annual programs.

Team Kenya – 2026 World Cross Country Championships
Senior Men (10km)
Daniel Simiu Ebenyo

Kevin Chesang Chepsergon

Denis Kipkoech Kemboi

Shadrack Kipng’etich Koech

Weldon Kipkurui Lang’at

Robert Kiprop Koech

Edwin Kiplagat Bett (Reserve)

Senior Women (10km)
Maurine Jepkoech Chebor

Brenda Jepchumba

Lilian Kasait

Beatrice Chebet

Agnes Ng’etich

Rebecca Mwangi

Caren Chebet (Reserve)

U20 Men (8km)
Emmanuel Kiprono Kipkorir

Franklin Kibet Chebet

Andrew Alamisi Kiptoo

Edwin Sanutia Elkana

Kelvin Kiprop Biwott

Andrew Kiptoo Kiprop

Brian Kiptarus Kandie (Reserve)

U20 Women (6km)
Cynthia Chepkurui

Miriam Chemutai Kibet

Lornah Cherono

Mercy Chepng’eno Mageso

Caren Chepng’eno

Mercy Jelimo

Anatasha Cheptoo Lang’at (Reserve)

2km Women
Purity Chepkurui

Judy Kemunto

Winfred Nzisa Mbithe

2km Men
Raynold Cheruiyot Kipkorir

Daniel Kyumbe Munguti

David Kipkoech Toroitich