Kenya rules cross country with medal surge at 2026 Worlds
Kenya finished top of the medal standings at the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships, held on January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, after delivering a dominant all-round performance. The East African nation collected nine medals — three gold, four silver and two bronze — to outscore 14 other competing countries.
The championships opened with a statement as Kenya swept the U20 men’s race, where Frankline Kibet took gold ahead of Emmanuel Kiprono and Andrew Kiptoo. “We executed our plan perfectly from the start,” Kibet said after the race.
In the senior women’s 10km, Agnes Ngetich confirmed her class by winning convincingly, extending Kenya’s long-running dominance in the event. “I stayed patient and trusted my strength,” Ngetich told local media.
Kenya also impressed in the senior men’s race, where Daniel Ebenyo secured bronze, while the team earned silver overall. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya praised the squad, saying the results “reflect Kenya’s depth, discipline and continued investment in athletics.”
The outcome once again underlined Kenya’s status as a global force in distance running.