Kisii University Duo Blaze to Victory at KUSF National Cross Country Trials

22:50 - 08 December 2025

Faith Chebet (Kisii) centre, Virginia Rubia (DeKUT) right and Gomeri Chebet (UOE) left.

Kisii University athletes Isaya Kiriago and Faith Chebet impressed at the KUSF National Cross Country Trials, boosting their chances of representing Kenya on the world stage.

Kisii University students Isaya Kiriago and Faith Chebet overcame scorching conditions to emerge victorious at the Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) National Cross-Country Trials held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) grounds in Kitui County.

The trials attracted top university athletes from across the country as KUSF sought to identify talent for the upcoming International University Sports Federation (FISU) World Universities Cross Country Championships, set for March 14–15 in Cassino, Italy.

Faith Chebet Completes Impressive Double

Faith Chebet delivered a standout performance, clinching a remarkable double by winning both the women’s 10km race and the shorter 2km loop.

Her dominant showing strengthened her bid for a maiden national team call-up, with KUSF selecting 18 athletes from the trials to represent Kenya in Italy.

Chebet attributed her success to disciplined preparation, splitting her training between Kisii University and the high-altitude training hub of Iten.

“I have been training well to ensure I win this title and earn a slot to Italy. I have never travelled with the national team before, and this gives me a great opportunity,” Chebet said.

She also revealed that her ambitions extend beyond the championships, noting that she is currently in a town hall camp aimed at securing a scholarship to study and compete in the United States.

Chebet clocked 38:37.29 to claim the women’s 10km title, finishing ahead of Dedan Kimathi University’s Virginia Rubia, who placed second in 40:17.47. University of Eldoret’s Gomeri Chebet completed the podium in 43:31.87.

Kiriago Extends Dominant Run in Men’s Race

In the men’s category, Isaya Kiriago continued his fine form with a commanding victory, stopping the clock at 30:55.48.

Maseno University’s Evanson Kipkirui finished second in 31:48.39, while Masinde Muliro University’s Enock Masai took third place in 32:36.59. All three secured provisional slots to the world championships.

Less than a month after sweeping the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at a track meet in Eldoret, Kiriago credited his mountain-running background for giving him an advantage on the demanding course.

“I am used to competing in the mountains, and coming to this flat course, despite the hot sun, it felt easy for me. That is why it was an easy win,” said Kiriago, who harbours ambitions of pursuing mountain running professionally.

KUSF Confirms Commitment to Global Representation

KUSF president Alfred Kibet Rono praised the athletes’ performances and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to exposing university talent on the global stage.

“We have given the students a great chance to earn slots to Italy. The technical team will select the best team based on records, including today’s results,” Rono said.

He added that the final squad will consist of athletes based locally as well as students studying in the United States and Japan, with a delegation of 18 athletes and six officials expected to travel.

Rono also appealed to universities and the Ministry of Sports for support to ensure the team can compete at the championships, emphasising the importance of giving student-athletes international exposure.

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