Daniel Simiu, Lilian Odira on the Spot as Kenya's Top Runners Clash at National Cross-Country Championships

Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, the 2023 World 10,000m silver medallist, is set to defend his national title this Saturday as Kenya's elite distance runners gather at the Eldoret Sports Club for the highly anticipated National Cross-Country Championships.

The event carries high stakes, serving as the official Athletics Kenya trials for the World Cross Country Championships, scheduled for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida. Athletes will be battling for a coveted spot on Team Kenya.

During last year’s edition of the event, Daniel Simiu was dominant, competing on the same course, as he secured a commanding victory in 30:48, ahead of Nickson Kogei (30:53) and Simon Mungai (30:56).

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In the women's event, Brillian Kipkoech claimed the top prize with a time of 34:30, followed by Maurine Chebor (34:33) and Stacey Ndiwa (34:55).

This year, Daniel Simiu enters the senior men's 10km race as a clear favourite, building on a strong 2025 cross-country season.

Following his national win in February, he triumphed at the Sirikwa Classic Cross-Country Tour-Gold, clocking 29:57.

However, he is also seeking redemption after a 13th-place finish at the Chicago Marathon on October 12, where he posted a time of 2:07:52.

Challenging Daniel Simiu's bid for a consecutive title is 20-year-old rising star Silas Senchura, who arrives in peak form after winning the AK Roysambu Cross Country in 30:25.

Half-marathon specialist Alex Matata and NCAA 10,000m champion Ishmael Rokito Kipkurui, who recently competed at the Tokyo World Championships, are also expected to be strong contenders.

In the senior women's 10km, Maurine Chebor is a key athlete to watch as she aims to improve on her silver medal finish from last year.

She has already demonstrated excellent form this season, winning the Machakos leg of the AK Cross Country Circuit in 30:37. Maurine Chebor will face stiff competition from Diana Wanza, who recently won the Roysambu Cross Country in 35:35.

The women's field is further strengthened by Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon champion Rebecca Mwangi, New Delhi Half Marathon winner Lilian Kasait, Caren Chebet, Sandrafelis Chebet, and Gladys Kwamboka, all vying for a ticket to Florida.

The U-20 men's 8km race is also set to be a thrilling contest, featuring a showdown between World U-20 5,000m champion Andrew Alamisi, Kelvin Kiprop, and Emmanuel Lemiso. Lemiso comes into the race with confidence after his U-20 win at Roysambu.

In the shorter 2km loop races, World 800m champion Lilian Odira will headline the women's event, while World 1,500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot is the main attraction in the men's race.