Athletics Kenya names 16-member World Road Running Championships squad

Athletics Kenya has selected a 16-member team for the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 19-20. World half marathon silver medallist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and world cross country champion Agnes Jebet Ngetich are the leading names in the squad.

Kenya will compete in the half marathon, 5km and one-mile events. The men’s half marathon group includes Ebenyo, Michael Kiplagat Temoi, Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli and Gideon Kipkertich Rono.

Ngetich will make her championship debut in the women’s half marathon. She is joined in that event by Daisilah Jerono, Veronica Loleo and Lilian Kasait Rengeruk. Caroline Makandi Gitonga and Caroline Nyaguthii Nyaga have been named for the women’s 5km.

Ebenyo is the only returning member of Kenya’s men’s half marathon team from the 2023 championships in Riga, Latvia. He won silver there as Kenya took all three individual medals, with Sebastian Kimaru Sawe claiming gold and Samuel Mailu finishing third. Kenya also swept the women’s half marathon podium through Peres Jepchirchir, Margaret Kipkemboi Chelimo and Catherine Amanang’ole Reline.

The Riga results made Kenya the overall champion, giving the team a title to defend in Copenhagen. Ebenyo’s experience from that campaign, along with his recent appearance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, will add continuity to the men’s group. He has also stressed the importance of collective performance rather than relying on one athlete.

Ngetich’s selection gives Kenya a reigning world cross country champion for her first road running championships. Athletics Kenya Senior Vice-President Paul Mutwii said the squad was formed after discussions with athletes and coaches, with a training camp planned before the championships. He added that the team includes athletes with international medals and strong domestic performances.