Agnes Ngetich Leads from Gun to Tape to Retain Kenya's Title Amid Beatrice Chebet Absence

Agnes Ngetich reigned supreme in the women’s senior race at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida.

Going into the race, with Beatrice Chebet missing the 2026 season to start a family, fans were looking forward to seeing the new champion that would be crowned at the Apalachee Regional Park.

All the hopes rested on the strong Kenyan charge, which was led by Agnes Ngetich, the world 10km record-holder, to make a mark.

Maurine Chebor, Brenda Jepchumba Kenei, Joyline Chepkemoi, Rebecca Mwangi and Caren Chebet were also in the mix.

The women’s race started aggressively, with all the women looking to take over from Beatrice Chebet’s reign as they crossed the finish line at the end.

Passing the 1km mark, Agnes Ngetich was in the lead, with the Ethiopian duo of Asayech Ayichew and Seyanech Getachew running in second and third places. Rebecca Mwangi and Maurine Chebor were also in the leading pack, running in the middle of the field.

Agnes Ngetich was still in the lead nearing the end of the 2km mark, with the Ethiopians putting a lot of pressure on her. The Kenyan women had been pushed back, and Ngetich had to work alone as she pushed the pace.

Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek was also running alongside the Ethiopians, hoping to make history for her country by winning a medal.

Passing the 5km mark, Agnes Ngetich was still pushing the pace, having Joy Cheptoyek on her heels and a relentless Ethiopian quartet that was not going to give up on her.

Kenya’s Maurine Chebor was running behind, with Caren Chebet also struggling to make a mark in the race. The rest of the Kenyan charge was not proactive in the race.

Passing the 6km mark, Agnes Ngetich continued with her strong momentum, but the Ugandan was not giving up on her pursuit. However, Agnes Ngetich was not hanging around or showing any signs of weakness.

Agnes Ngetich was in the lead as the women passed the 7km mark, and at this point, Seyanet Getachew was running in second place.

Joy Cheptoyek regained her spot again as the women passed the 8km mark, with Agnes Ngetich clearing the barriers without much struggle.

As she went down the final stretch, Agnes Ngetich was not slowing down, and at the bell, she had found her playing ground and was looking to finish strong.

Her focus and determination paid off well with a win in 31:28 ahead of Uganda's Joy Cheptoyek, who came in second in a time of 32:10. Senayet Getachew rounded up the podium in 32:13.