World Road Running half marathon silver medallist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and the reigning world world cross country champion Agnes Jebet Ngetich will lead Kenya’s charge at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Athletics Kenya on Friday named a 16-member squad that will represent the country in the half marathon, 5km and one-mile races set for September 19th to 20th.
Ebenyo, who won silver in the half marathon at the 2023 championships in Riga, Latvia, is the only man from Kenya’s previous squad to return.
Fresh from representing Kenya at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, Ebenyo said he was ready to use his experience to help the team reclaim the titles.
“I want to thank Athletics Kenya for giving me another opportunity to run for Kenya. Last time, I won silver and team title in the half marathon. As an elder, we shall work hard to try and bring the glory back,” said Ebenyo.
Kenya dominated the men’s half marathon in Riga, with Sebastian Kimaru Sawe taking gold, Ebenyo silver and Samuel Mailu bronze.
Ebenyo said the team approach would be crucial to Kenya’s success in Copenhagen.
“I learnt a lot last time. I don’t win alone, but we win as a team. This time, we can’t promise so much, but we shall work hard,” he said.
Ebenyo will team up in the men’s half marathon with Michael Kiplagat Temoi, Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli and Gideon Kipkertich Rono.
Ngetich, the reigning world cross-country champion, will make her debut at the World Road Running Championships. She said representing Kenya was a privilege and expressed confidence in the team.
“I am happy that I have been selected and in my first time to compete in road running. I have been following for many years, seeing Peres Jepchirchir winning four times in the half marathon. Together with the team, we are assured of winning the titles back home,” said Ngetich.
She will compete alongside Daisilah Jerono, Veronica Loleo and Lilian Kasait Rengeruk in the women’s half marathon.
Kenya also dominated the women’s half marathon in Riga, with Peres Jepchirchir winning gold, Margaret Kipkemboi Chelimo taking silver and Catherine Amanang’ole Reline claiming bronze.
Athletics Kenya senior vice-president Paul Mutwii said the federation had consulted athletes and coaches before selecting the squad.
“Since we won the overall title in Riga, it will be better to defend our title,” said Mutwii.
He added that the athletes would be placed in a training camp to prepare for the championships, expressing confidence that Kenya would return home with medals.
“Majority of them have been doing very well in various championships. Some have run for the country, winning medals, while others have been running well locally. We consulted coaches to have a formidable team,” Mutwii said.
Kenya’s 16-member squad
Half Marathon Men
- Michael Kiplagat Temoi
- Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli
- Gideon Kipkertich Rono
- Daniel Simiu Ebenyo
Half Marathon Women
- Agnes Jebet Ngetich
- Daisilah Jerono
- Veronica Loleo
- Lilian Kasait Rengeruk
5km Men
- Charles Kiboino
- Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang
5km Women
- Caroline Makandi Gitonga
- Caroline Nyaguthii Nyaga
One Mile Men
- Brian Komen
- Daniel Kyumbe Munguti
One Mile Women
- Miriam Cherop
- Naomi Korir