Ebenyo and Jepkorir Set to Defend National Cross Country Titles in Eldoret.
The veteran runner has just finished 13th in the Chicago Marathon, recording a time of 2:07:52, and has cemented his return to track events in the new season.
The veteran runner has just finished 13th in the Chicago Marathon, recording a time of 2:07:52, and has cemented his return to track events in the new season. Photo/ courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Defending champions Brillian Jepkorir Kipkoech and Daniel Simiu Ebenyo will lead a talented field of athletes at this year’s AK National Cross Country Championships, scheduled for Saturday at the Eldoret Sports Club. The much anticipated event will also be official Team Kenya selection trials for the 2026 World Cross Country Championships, to be staged on January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
Ebenyo, who won silver in the 2023 World 10,000m, will strive to retain his national title after recording a stunning performance in last year’s event that he finished in 30 minutes 48 seconds, ahead of Nickson Kogei and Simon Mungai. The veteran runner has just finished 13th in the Chicago Marathon, recording a time of 2:07:52, and has cemented his return to track events in the new season.
The conditions at the course in Eldoret this year are good as opposed to last season, according to Team Kenya head coach Julius Kirwa. “All is well; the weather is much improved this time. Last year was extremely hot and dry, and the ground was hard. The rains that have fallen recently have chilled the course and brought a small amount of dampness, which should enable the races to be run somewhat faster,” added Kirwa.
Kirwa also added that the national championships will provide competitors with a strong platform upon which to build up momentum for the frantic 2026 athletics calendar which includes the Diamond League, Commonwealth Games, and other elite-level international competitions.
“This competition will allow the athletes to try their fitness levels. I would encourage them to plan their seasons,” he added.
Ebenyo will be fighting it out hard with Silas Senchura, winner of the 30:25 Roysambu Cross Country, and Alex Matata, a promising road runner seeking his first national team call-up. Names to track in the men’s team are Ishmael Kipkurui Rokitto, the NCAA champion over 10,000m, Benson Kiplangat of South Rift, and Emmanuel Kipchumba of KDF, all ready to face the defending champion.
Among women, last year’s title holder Brillian Jepkorir Kipkoech, who took the title in 34:30, will attempt to continue her dominance. She will be challenged by Kenya Police’s Maurine Jepkoech Chebor, the second-placed athlete of last year. In the absence of double world champion Beatrice Chebet, most attention will be on Sheila Chepkirui, the New York Marathon winner, who will be using the event as part of her preparations to defend her title later in the year.
Experienced runners Mercy Cherono, Lilian Kasait, Gladys Kwamboka, and Janeth Chepng’etich also expect good presence.
The Under-20 competitions will host Kenya’s new stars like World U20 5000m gold medalist Andrew Alamisi, Kelvin Kiprop, and Emmanuel Lemiso. The 2km short-course competitions will boast world 800m champion Lilian Odira and 1500m bronze medalist Reynold Cheruiyot, both of whom promised to deliver thrilling performances. In the girls’ 6km event, however, Africa U18 3000m champion Cynthia Chepkirui will be the one to watch.
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