Africa-Press – Kenya. Reynold Cheruiyot/ FILEWorld 1,500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot is set for an early-season blockbuster against world champion Isaac Nader of Portugal in a 1,500m indoor race at Hauts-de-France on Thursday.
The duel rekindles memories of last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, where Nader surged to global gold in 3:34.10, edging Britain’s Jake Wightman (3:34.12) and Cheruiyot (3:34.25).
Lining up for his first track outing of the year, the 21-year-old is eager to ignite his 2026 campaign with authority. “I will be starting my indoor campaign in France, which I hope will unlock the season for me,” Cheruiyot told the Star.
Beyond the indoor circuit, Cheruiyot has mapped out a loaded 2026 season, setting his sights on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and the inaugural World Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
“This year, I am hoping for the best. There is the Commonwealth Games and then the World Ultimate Championships. I hope to give my best,” he noted.
The middle distance ace is equally intent on sharpening his edge on the Diamond League circuit. “I will start my Diamond League campaign in Doha just like last year, where I’ll run 5,000m,” he said.
The move underlines his growing appetite for the longer distance with plans to feature prominently over 5,000m this season, especially at major championships. Cheruiyot believes his finishing kick could prove decisive over 12-and-a-half laps.
“In the 5,000m, the pace is favourable for me. I know I have a lot of speed in the last 600m,” he added, hinting at the devastating burst that has become his trademark.
He showcased that strength last year when he opened his Diamond League campaign in Doha with a commanding 5,000m victory in 13:16.40. Cheruiyot has already laid down an early marker in 2026, having won the 2km loop at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour on Saturday.
He stopped the clock at 5:52 to edge Daniel Munguti (5:53) and Timothy Cheruiyot (5:54). “The race was very tactical, but I have already gained some experience in running against tough competitors,” he reflected.
Still, the youngster is not resting on raw talent alone, with keen focus on polishing the finer details of his craft. “I want to sharpen my tactics and reaction time. I also want to be a front runner,” he said, signalling a shift toward greater race control and authority from the gun.
Nader, meanwhile, arrives in France in strong shape. The Portuguese star opened his 2026 indoor season with a statement 3,000m victory at the Czech Indoor Gala, slicing through the field to clock 7:38.05.
