Africa-Press – Kenya. Reigning world 1,500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot believes he must leave nothing to chance on the turf as he looks to give Kenya a commanding early advantage when he leads off the mixed relay at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida.
Kenya will touch down in Florida with a formidable six-member squad tasked with flying the national flag at the global showpiece. The team is composed of Cheruiyot, Purity Chepkirui, Judy Kemunto, Winfred Mbithe, Daniel Munguti and David Kipkoech, an outfit blending championship pedigree with youthful hunger.
The East African powerhouse heads into the championships as defending champions and two-time winners, firmly setting their sights on a historic hat-trick of titles.
At last year’s championships in Belgrade, Serbia, the Kenyan quartet of Cheruiyot, Virginia Nyambura, Munguti and Chepkirui ruled the course, storming to gold in 22:15. Ethiopia were forced to settle for silver in 22:43, while Great Britain completed the podium in 23:00.
Kenya’s dominance was equally evident at the 2023 edition in Bathurst, Australia, where Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Mirriam Cherop, Munguti and Brenda Chebet clinched the crown in 23:14.
Ethiopia (23:21) and the hosts Australia (23:26) finished second and third, respectively. Cheruiyot, the 2022 World U20 1,500m champion, has been entrusted with the crucial responsibility of starting the race, a role that could define the outcome of the contest.
“We have already decided that I will be the one to start the race and then hand over to Chepkirui,” Cheruiyot said.
“Munguti has been given the anchor role and will finish the race for us.
”Cheruiyot noted a sharp, assertive start will be the most decisive factor in laying the foundation for the country’s push for a third straight title.
“Being the first one to start the race, I have to be quick and aggressive on the course,” he said.
“The start is the most important part of a relay. If you get it right, you build a solid base for the rest of the team.
”He acknowledged the quality of opposition he expects to face at the opening leg but backed himself to stretch the field early.
“Every starter is strong, that’s exactly what coaches look for, someone who can give the team a solid lead so the rest can build on it,” he explained.
“I have to make sure I open a gap of 50 metres or even 100 metres so the next athlete doesn’t have to struggle chasing the pack,” Cheruiyot added.
As defending champions, Cheruiyot is well aware that Kenya will be the team everyone is hunting. “We are the defending champions, and all eyes will be on us.
We have to be at our very best,” he said. His belief in Kenya’s ability to complete a hat-trick is anchored on his current form and the strong bond within the squad.
“My body is okay, I feel fine and ready to go,” he noted.
“The chemistry in the team is strong. The mood is lively, and everyone is confident. Our focus is to defend our crown by all means.
”Despite the confidence, Cheruiyot remains cautious, singling out Australia as a potential threat.
“Australia have a strong team, and they could pose a challenge, but I am sure we will be ready to handle them,” he concluded.
