Athletics Kenya Names 16-Member Squad for World Road Running Championships

Athletics Kenya has announced a 16-member squad set to compete at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, with world half marathon silver medallist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and reigning world cross country champion Agnes Jebet Ngetich leading the charge.

The team, unveiled on Friday, will represent the nation in the half marathon, 5km and one-mile events scheduled for September 19-20.

Daniel Ebenyo is the sole returning member from the men's half marathon team that competed at the 2023 championships in Riga, Latvia, where he secured a silver medal.

Fresh from his appearance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Ebenyo is focused on leveraging his experience to guide the team to victory.

"I want to thank Athletics Kenya for giving me another opportunity to run for Kenya," Ebenyo stated as quoted by Daily Sport. "Last time, I won silver and the team title in the half marathon. As a senior athlete, I will work hard with the team to bring that glory back."

Kenya achieved a clean sweep in the men's half marathon in Riga, with Sebastian Kimaru Sawe winning gold, Ebenyo silver, and Samuel Mailu bronze. Ebenyo emphasised that a collaborative effort will be vital for success in Copenhagen.

"I learned a lot last time. I don't win alone; we win as a team," he added. "We can't make big promises, but we will work hard."

Ebenyo will be joined in the men's half marathon by Michael Kiplagat Temoi, Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli and Gideon Kipkertich Rono.

Making her debut at the championships, world cross-country champion Agnes Jebet Ngetich expressed her pride in being selected.

"I am happy to be selected for my first road running championship. I've followed it for years, watching Peres Jepchirchir win the half marathon four times. I am confident that, together with the team, we can bring the titles back home," she said.

Ngetich will team up with Daisilah Jerono, Veronica Loleo and Lilian Kasait Rengeruk in the women's half marathon. The women's team also dominated in Riga, with Peres Jepchirchir, Margaret Kipkemboi Chelimo and Catherine Amanang'ole Reline sweeping the podium.

Athletics Kenya Senior Vice-President Paul Mutwii confirmed that the selection process involved consultations with athletes and coaches to assemble a strong team. "Since we won the overall title in Riga, it is only right that we aim to defend it," Mutwii said.

He also announced that the athletes will enter a training camp to prepare for the championships.

"Most of these athletes have performed exceptionally well in various competitions. Some have won medals for the country, while others have excelled locally. We consulted with coaches to build a formidable team," Mutwii concluded, expressing confidence in their medal prospects.

Half Marathon Men: Michael Kiplagat Temoi, Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli, Gideon Kipkertich Rono, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo

Half Marathon Women: Agnes Jebet Ngetich, Daisilah Jerono, Veronica Loleo, Lilian Kasait Rengeruk

5km Men: Charles Kiboino, Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang

5km Women: Caroline Makandi Gitonga, Caroline Nyaguthii Nyaga

One Mile Men: Brian Komen, Daniel Kyumbe Munguti

One Mile Women: Miriam Cherop, Naomi Korir