By KPC Reporter
Athletics Kenya has unveiled a formidable 35-member team for the 46th World Cross Country Championships, set for January 10, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida.
The squad, announced on Wednesday, blends proven champions with exciting young talent as Kenya targets another dominant performance on the global stage
Kenya heads to the United States as the defending overall champions, having topped the medal table at the 2024 edition in Belgrade, Serbia.
There, the country collected an impressive 11 medals—six gold, two silver and three bronze—underlining its long-standing supremacy in cross country running
The Belgrade success was anchored by Beatrice Chebet’s commanding victory in the senior women’s 10km, alongside team golds in both the senior men’s and senior women’s races.
Further gold medals came from Samuel Kabathi in the men’s U-20 race, the men’s U-20 team, and the mixed relay team.
For the senior women’s 10km in Tallahassee, Kenya will be led by world 10km record holder Agnes Ng’etich.
She will be supported by Maurine Chebor, Brenda Kenei, Rebecca Mwangi, Caren Chebet and Joyline Jepkemoi—an experienced and in-form lineup expected to play a central role in the title defence
In the senior men’s race, 2023 World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo will spearhead the challenge.
He will be joined by a deep field that includes Ishmael Rokitto, Edwin Bett, Robert Koech, Weldon Langat, Shadrack Koech, Denis Kemboi and Kevin Chesang
The U-20 categories also reflect Kenya’s depth. Cynthia Chepkirui leads the women’s 6km team, while World U-20 5,000m champion Andrew Alamisi headlines a strong men’s 8km squad packed with emerging stars
The team is currently in residential camp in Nairobi and will relocate to the Windsor Hotel on January 1 ahead of their departure.
Travel to the United States has been arranged in two batches on January 5 and 6, with visa processing reported to be progressing smoothly
Backing the squad, Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver. “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.”