Athletics Kenya has unveiled a formidable squad of 35 athletes and coaches for the 46th edition of the World Cross Country Championships, set for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, as the nation prepares for another assault on the global stage.
The team is led by a formidable group of officials, including team management, coaches, and medical personnel.
Kenya will be gunning to defend the overall crown it clinched in Belgrade, Serbia, last year, where the country reigned supreme after hauling in an impressive 11 medals (six gold, two silver and three bronze).
That golden haul was anchored by a dominant Beatrice Chebet in the senior women’s 10km, complemented by overall team triumphs in both the senior women’s and senior men’s categories.
Further gold medals flowed from Samuel Kabathi in the men’s U-20 race, the men’s U-20 team title and the mixed relay team, sealing a commanding overall success. The team to the 2026 Cross Country showdown was selected during the National Championships held on October 25, 2025, at the Eldoret Sports Club.
Leading the women’s senior 10km charge is world 10km record holder Agnes Ng’etich, whose speed make her a central figure in Kenya’s title defence.
She will be ably supported by an in-form cast that includes Maurine Chebor Jepkoech, Brenda Kenei, Rebecca Mwangi, Caren Chebet and Joyline Jepkemoi.
In the men’s senior race, 2023 World 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo will spearhead the Kenyan onslaught. Adding further firepower is a deep cast featuring rising star Ishmael Rokitto alongside Edwin Bett, Robert Koech, Weldon Langat, Shadrack Koech, Denis Kemboi and Kevin Chesang.
The U-20 women’s 6km race will see Cynthia Chepkirui take charge, joined by Mirriam Kibet, Lonah Cherono, Mercy Mageso, Caren Chepng’eno, Mercy Jelimo and Joan Chepkirui.
On the men’s side, the 8km U-20 contest will feature World U-20 5,000m champion Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi, who will line up alongside Emmanuel Kipkorir, Frankline Kibet, Edwin Elkana, Kevin Biwott, Andrew Kiptoo and Brian Kandie in a stacked youthful lineup.
The squad currently in residential camp in Nairobi in Kasarani after a successful and vigorous one month training at Kigari Teachers College.
Departure has been arranged in two batches, with the first group scheduled to fly out on January 5 and the second group following on January 6.
Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei has backed the squad to rise to the occasion and successfully defend Kenya’s overall crown in Tallahassee. “We are the defending overall champions. This is a young team, and I am confident you will give your very best in Florida,” Tuwei said. “We wish you all the best of luck as you go out there to represent Kenya.
Athletes for World Cross Country championships in the USA
10km senior women
- Agnes Jebet Ng’etich
- Maurine Chebor Jepkoech
- Brenda Kenei
- Rebecca Mwangi
- Caren Chebet
- Joyline Jepkemoi.
10km senior men
- Daniel Simiu Ebenyo
- Ishmael Kipkurui Rokitto
- Edwin Bett
- Robert Koech
- Weldon Langat
- Shadrack Koech
- Denis Kemboi
- Kevin Chesang.
6km Under 20 women
- Cynthia Chepkirui
- Mirriam Kibet
- Lonah Cherono
- Mercy Mageso
- Caren Chepng’eno
- Mercy Jelimo
- Joan Chepkirui.
8km under 20 men
- Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi
- Emmanuel Kipkorir
- Frankline Kibet
- Edwin Elkana
- Kevin Biwott
- Andrew Alamisi Kiptoo
- Brian Kandie