Beatrice Chebet Out as Kenya Names 35-Member Squad for World Cross Country Championships

Athletics Kenya has unveiled a formidable squad of 35 athletes for the 46th edition of the World Cross Country Championships, set for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida.

The team is supported by a strong group of officials, including team management, coaches, and medical personnel.

Kenya will be gunning to defend the overall crown it clinched in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2024, where the nation collected an impressive 11 medals, six gold, two silver, and three bronze.

That golden haul was anchored by Beatrice Chebet in the senior women’s 10km, complemented by team triumphs in both the senior women’s and men’s categories.

Additional gold medals came from Samuel Kibathi in the men’s U-20 race, the men’s U-20 team title, and the mixed relay team, sealing a commanding overall success.

Leading the women’s senior 10km charge is world 10km record holder Agnes Ng’etich, whose speed makes her central to Kenya’s title defence.

She will be supported by a strong cast, including Maurine Chebor, Brenda Kenei, Rebecca Mwangi, Caren Chebet and Joyline Jepkemoi.

In the men’s senior race, 2023 World 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo will spearhead the Kenyan challenge.

Other key members include Ishmael Rokitto, Edwin Bett, Robert Koech, Weldon Langat, Shadrack Koech, Denis Kemboi and Kevin Chesang.

The U-20 women’s 6km race will see Cynthia Chepkirui lead the team, joined by Mirriam Kibet, Lonah Cherono, Mercy Mageso, Caren Chepng’eno, Mercy Jelimo, and Joan Chepkirui.

On the men’s side, the 8km U-20 contest will feature World U-20 5,000m champion Andrew Alamisi, alongside Emmanuel Kipkorir, Frankline Kibet, Edwin Elkana, Kevin Biwott, Andrew Kiptoo, and Brian Kandie.

The squad is currently in a residential camp in Nairobi, based at the Sports View Hotel in Kasarani, following a month-long rigorous training at Kigari Teachers College.

On January 1, the team will relocate to the Windsor Hotel. The team will depart in two batches, with the first group flying on January 5 and the second group on January 6.

Athletics Kenya also confirmed that visa processing has progressed smoothly, with the athletes divided into three groups to secure their US visas.

Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to defend Kenya’s overall crown.

“We are the defending overall champions. This is a young team, and I am confident you will give your very best in Florida. We wish you all the best of luck as you go out there to represent Kenya,” he said.