Ngetich Wins World Cross Country Kenya Takes Record Title

Agnes Ngetich secured a dominant victory at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 on Saturday, January 10. This win marked Kenya’s tenth consecutive senior women’s title in the event.

Agnes Ngetich crowned new World Athletics Cross Country champion

Ngetich, the 2023 Bathurst bronze medallist and 2024 Belgrade team gold winner, produced a commanding performance, lapping several rivals and clocking 31:28 to secure her first global title. She finished 42 seconds ahead of Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek and Ethiopia’s Senayet Getachew. Ngetich stated, “I am so happy with this title. I now have an individual championship and I am proud to become the 10th woman to win world cross country gold for Kenya. Beatrice [Chebet] told me to bring the medal back home. This title is special.” The victory also succeeded Beatrice Chebet, who had dominated the event for the past two editions but did not compete in 2026 due to maternity leave. Kenya’s Maurine Chebor finished eighth in 33:06, followed by Caren Chebet in 11th place with a time of 33:31.

Kiplimo claims historic senior men’s title at World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26

In the men’s competition, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo claimed the senior men’s title for the third consecutive time, defeating Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi. Kiplimo demonstrated an impressive surge on the final lap, opening up an 18-second gap over his competitors. Aregawi secured silver, marking his fifth global silver medal and third at the World Cross Country Championships. Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo earned the bronze medal with a time of 28:45.

Aregawi found consolation in guiding Ethiopia to team gold.