Diana Wanza Carries Kenya’s Distance Flag

Wanza Steps Up to Lead Kenya’s Distance Running After Chebet

Diana Wanza is rising fast. And the timing couldn’t be better.

Beatrice Chebet — double Olympic champion, world record holder in both the 5,000m and 10,000m — is sitting out all of 2026 on maternity leave. Someone has to step up. Wanza did exactly that at the Kip Keino Classic last Friday.

She ran 15:28.91 in the women’s 5,000m. That’s a 23-second personal best — down from 15:52.04 she set at Ulinzi last year. Dominant from the front, unchallenged at the finish.

She also won the 10,000m at Kenya’s Africa Championships trials a fortnight ago. Next stop: Accra, where the Africa Senior Athletics Championships run May 12-17.

“She’s ready for the big stage,” one official said. It’s hard to argue.