University of Eldoret Duo Target FISU World University Cross Country Slots at KUSF Trials

The University of Eldoret athlete duo of Nicholas Ekeno and Gomeri Chebet have set their sights on securing places in Kenya’s team for the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Cross Country Championships, set for March 14–15 in Casale Monferrato, Italy.

The two are among hundreds of university students expected to compete for national honours during the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) national trials, which will be held on Saturday, January 31, at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in Kitui County.

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Speaking during their final training session at Kitui Stadium on Friday evening, the duo expressed confidence ahead of the trials, saying they are well prepared after successfully navigating the regional conference championships held across the country last weekend.

The athletes noted that the intense competition at the conference level has sharpened their readiness, as only the best performers earned qualification to the national stage.

Team captain Nicholas Ekeno revealed that missing out on a slot at the 2025 World University Games in Germany served as major motivation to refocus his ambitions on the World University Cross Country Championships.

The third-year student, who draws inspiration from newly crowned World Cross Country bronze medallist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, said he is determined to seize this opportunity.

“As a captain, I’m hoping to do my best for the title since I have trained well. We are here to win and qualify as a team. We are not here to participate but to compete. For our rivals, come well prepared,” said Ekeno.

He added that he has taken Daniel Ebenyo’s advice seriously as he fine-tunes his preparation.

Ekeno earned his place at the national trials after finishing second in both the 10,000m and 3,000m races at the Rift Valley Conference Championships, which were held last weekend at Kabarak University.

“All my teammates qualified during the conference championships. We hope to do our best, just like Ebenyo who trains on our grounds. He is a fighter,” he added.

Chebet, a second-year Bachelor of Education (Science) student, is equally focused on making the national team and earning her first opportunity to compete on the global university stage.

“I want to make the team to Italy and continue nurturing my talent. I have been doing speed work, and last weekend I won both the 10,000m and 3,000m to qualify for the national trials. I am well prepared for the challenge and I want to win and earn a slot,” said Chebet.

Her recent victories at the conference championships have boosted her confidence as she prepares to face the country’s top university runners.

Chebet revealed that her journey into athletics began after joining university, having previously focused on volleyball during her high school years.

“In primary school, I competed in the 1,500m. In high school, I played volleyball, but the morning runs helped me realise I could perform well in athletics,” she said.

With both athletes peaking at the right time, the University of Eldoret duo will be hoping their preparation and determination translate into success at the national trials and a coveted ticket to Italy.