Kenya emerged as the overall top-performing nation at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships held in Tallahassee, Florida, after finishing first among 15 participating countries with a dominant medal haul.
According to a statement released by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya on January 11, 2026, Team Kenya won a total of nine medals, cementing the country’s reputation as a global powerhouse in distance running.
The medal haul included two individual golds, one team gold, one individual silver, three team silver medals, and two individual bronze medals, making Kenya the most successful nation at the championships with 3 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
A major highlight at the championships came in the Under-20 Men’s 8km race, where Kenyan athletes swept the podium in a rare clean sweep performance on the global stage.
Frankline Kibet claimed gold after crossing the finish line in 23:18, followed closely by Emmanuel Kiprono, who secured silver in 23:20, while Andrew Kiptoo Kiptoo completed the sweep with bronze in 23:28.
The Under-20 category success was further boosted by the women’s team, whose strong performance helped Kenya secure team gold and silver medals, showcasing the strength of the country’s junior athletics pipeline.
In the Senior Women’s 10km race, Agnes Ngetich delivered a commanding run to win gold in 31:28, reinforcing Kenya’s dominance in women’s long-distance running.
The senior women’s team also finished second overall in the team standings with 39 points, adding another silver medal to Kenya’s tally.
Kenya’s senior men were equally competitive, with Daniel Ebenyo clinching bronze in the 10km race after clocking a record time of 28:45.
The senior men’s team combined consistent finishes to secure silver in the team rankings with a total of 34 points.
While celebrating the medal winners, the Sports Cabinet Secretary praised all Kenyan athletes who competed, noting that their performances reflected discipline, teamwork, and national pride beyond podium finishes.
Mvurya said the results underscored the importance of sustained government investment in athlete development, training facilities, and welfare, adding that Kenya remains committed to nurturing talent from grassroots to elite levels.
