Kisii University students Isaya Kiriago and Faith Chebet braved the scorching heat to claim top honours at the Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) National Cross Country Trials held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) grounds in Kitui County.
Chebet enjoyed a remarkable double victory, winning both the women’s 10km title and the 2km loop as KUSF used the event to select 18 athletes who will represent Kenya at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World Universities Cross Country Championships scheduled for March 14–15 in Cassino, Italy.
Driven by her ambition to earn a maiden national team call-up, Chebet said her consistent training both at Kisii University and in Iten had paid off.
“I have been training well to ensure I win this title and earn a slot to Italy. I have never travelled with the national team before, and this gives me a great opportunity,” said Chebet.
“At the same time, I am in a town hall camp where I am training to earn a scholarship to study and run in the USA.”
Chebet clocked 38:37.29 to take the women’s 10km title ahead of Dedan Kimathi University’s Virginia Rubia, who finished second in 40:17.47. University of Eldoret’s Gomeri Chebet placed third in 43:31.87.
In the men’s race, Kiriago continued his impressive run of form, winning the title in 30:55.48. Maseno University’s Evanson Kipkirui finished second in 31:48.39, while Masinde Muliro University’s Enock Masai placed third in 32:36.59, all booking provisional slots to Italy.
Less than a month after sweeping the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at a track meet in Eldoret, the reigning Ultra Trail 23km Mountain Run champion from South Africa said his mountain-running background gave him an edge.
“I am used to competing in the mountains, and coming to this flat course, despite the hot sun, it felt easy for me. That is why it was an easy win,” said Kiriago, who hopes to pursue mountain running professionally.
KUSF president Alfred Kibet Rono said the federation is committed to ensuring the students compete at the global stage.
“We have given the students a great chance to earn slots to Italy. The technical team will select the best team based on records, including today’s results,” said Rono.
“We want universities to support us so we can send the students.”
Rono added that the final team will include athletes based in Kenya as well as students from the USA and Japan, making up 18 athletes and six officials.
“We are also appealing to the Ministry of Sports to support these students so they can represent the country at the world championships,” he said.
Selected results
10km women
- Faith Chebet (Kisii) 38:37.29
- Virginia Rubia (DeKUT) 40:17.47
- Gomeri Chebet (UOE) 43:31.87
- Ruth Biwott (Embu) 43:42.42
- Anjela Muthoni (Maseno) 43:52.1
- Leah sadera (Kisii) 45:58.30
- Merciline Cheruto (Kisii) 48:09.43
- Veronica Keter (KYU) 48:51.09
- Maurine Mwangi (Meru) 50:43.03
- Esther Wambua (KU) 51:55.40
10km men
- Isaya Kiriago (Kisii) 30:55.48
- Evanson Kipkirui (Maseno) 31:48.39
- Enock Masai (MMUST) 32:36.59
- Alvin Kimutai (Kisii) 32:58.70
- Abraham Koilai (Meru) 33:55.04
- Laban Kipkurui (Chuka) 34:08.53
- Nicholas Ekeno (UOE) 34:09.71
- Titus Mumo (Meru) 34:29.75
- Aron Mutai (KYU) 34:58.83
- Christopher Kimani (Meru) 35:06.28
2km women
- Faith Chebet (Kisii) 6:6.79
- Virginia Rubia (DeKUT) 6:28.33
- Brenda Chepkona (Maseno) 7:06.51
2km men
- Fredrick Jumaa (Kibabii) 5:06.56
- Collince Kiptoo (UOE) 5:09.53
- Ryan Melly (KU) 5:12.53