Kiriago, Chebet to spearhead Kenya at World University Cross Country Championships

Isaya Kiriago and Faith Chebet of Kisii University will spearhead Kenya’s challenge at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World Universities Cross Country Championships set for March 14–15 in Cassino, Italy.

The duo emerged victorious in the senior men’s and women’s races at the Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) National Cross Country Trials held at the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) grounds in Kitui County, earning them provisional slots in the national team.

Kenya will field a provisional squad of 18 athletes and six officials, with final selection to be based on performance metrics and trial results, according to KUSF president Alfred Kibet Rono.

“We have given the students a fair opportunity to earn places to Italy. The technical committee will select the final team based on records, including today’s performances,” said Rono.

He called on universities and government stakeholders to support the athletes’ participation, noting that financial backing remains crucial.

“We want universities to partner with us so we can send the students. We are also appealing to the Ministry of Sports to support these athletes so they can represent the country at the world championships,” he added.

Rono further revealed that the final squad will comprise Kenyan athletes as well as students studying in the United States and Japan, reflecting the federation’s inclusive approach.

Chebet enjoyed a standout outing, completing a rare double by winning the women’s 10km title as well as the shorter 2km loop. She clocked 38:37.29 in the 10km race, finishing ahead of Dedan Kimathi University’s Virginia Rubia (40:17.47), while the University of Eldoret’s Gomeri Chebet placed third in 43:31.87.

Driven by the desire to secure her first national team call-up, Chebet credited her disciplined training programme for the breakthrough performance.

“I have been training consistently both at Kisii University and in Iten, and it paid off today. I have never travelled with the national team before, so this is a big opportunity for me,” said Chebet.

She added that she is currently in a town hall training camp as she seeks to earn a scholarship to study and compete in the United States.

In the men’s race, Kiriago underlined his growing reputation with a commanding win in 30:55.48. Maseno University’s Evanson Kipkirui finished second in 31:48.39, while Masinde Muliro University’s Enock Masai took third in 32:36.59, with all three securing provisional qualification.

Fresh from sweeping the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at a recent track meet in Eldoret, Kiriago attributed his dominance to his background in mountain running.

“I am used to competing on tough mountain terrain, so running on this flat course, even with the heat, felt much easier,” said Kiriago, the reigning Ultra Trail 23km Mountain Run champion in South Africa.

Kiriago, who hopes to pursue mountain running professionally, is the younger brother of World Mountain and Trail Running Champion Philemon Kiriago.

Selected results

10km women

1. Faith Chebet (Kisii) 38:37.29

2. Virginia Rubia (DeKUT) 40:17.47

3. Gomeri Chebet (UOE) 43:31.87

10km men

1. Isaya Kiriago (Kisii) 30:55.48

2. Evanson Kipkirui (Maseno) 31:48.39

3. Enock Masai (MMUST) 32:36.59

2km women

1. Faith Chebet (Kisii) 6:6.79