Daniel Ebenyo retains title as youngster Maureen Jepkoech silences critics at National Cross Country Championships
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Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 25.10.25. | 17:03
It was not until the final lap that Ebenyo unleashed his traditional powerful kick to go all the way to the finish line
World 10,000m and half-marathon silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo Simiu retained his National Cross Country Championships title after outsmarting a strong field to emerge victorious in 30:11:1 during the championships held on Saturday, 25 October at the Eldoret Sports Club.
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The time was an improvement from last year, where he clocked 30:48. Ebenyo was a late entrant to the championships as he was nursing fatigue from the Chicago Marathon, where he finished 13th in 2:07:52. The marathon was held on Sunday, 12 October.
Despite the fatigue, Ebenyo was in the leading pack for the majority of the course, showing his dominance early. Together with Chesang and Kipkoech, they controlled the pack through the tough course.
It was not until the final lap that Ebenyo unleashed his traditional powerful kick to go all the way to the finish line.
Kevin Chesang followed in second place in 30:12:0, with Dennis Kipkoech completing the podium in 30:13:0 to book a Team Kenya slot headed to the 2026 World Cross Country Championships slated for Saturday, 10 January 2026 in Florida, USA.
Speaking after the race, Ebenyo could not hide his excitement, noting that he was glad to be back with the national team.
The last time he was in the national team was during the 2024 Prefontaine Classic, which served as the Paris Olympics qualifiers, where he finished seventh after falling mid-race.
“I am feeling good. I am more excited for the World Cross Country. It has been a long time, and I miss the national team.
I was a bit fatigued from the Chicago Marathon. But I am happy to retain my title. Cross country is my heart, and I am honoured,” the out-of-breath Ebenyo said after the race.
Senior Women’s Category
In the senior women’s category, youngster Maureen Jepkoech Chebor was in a class of her own, outclassing a strong field to win the race in 34:16:4.
The win was perfect redemption for the 21-year-old, who was bidding for a ticket to the World Championships but came up short at last month’s Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, United States. Chebor finished 15th in the women’s 5000m after clocking 14:50.68.
She instead turned that heartbreak into much-needed fuel, and she will be on the plane to the World Cross Country Championships.
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Chebor was closely followed by Brenda Jepchumba, who crossed the line in 34:19:8 with Glorius Jepkirui of Central Rift finishing the podium in 34:26:5.
Junior Women’s Category
In the junior women’s category, Sirikwa Classic Cross Country defending champion Cynthia Chepkirui proved her mettle after ruling the challenging course in 20:38:8.
Chepkirui, who was fresh from being feted by President William Ruto during the Mashujaa Day celebrations on Monday, 20 October, was especially outstanding in the final lap, where she left her opponents by a sizeable gap.
Miriam Chemutai came in second in 20:49:1. Chemutai was part of the U20 team that took part in the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, last year.
She brought that determination to the race, and it was handsomely rewarded as she will be on the plane to the USA. Chemutai and Chepkirui train at the Lemotit Training Camp under coach Paul Kemei. Lonah Cherono completed the podium in 21:00.
Junior Men’s Category
In the junior men’s category, Emmanuel Kiprono claimed the top honours in 24:22:5. Frankline Chebet clinched second place in 24:25:4, with Andrew Alamisi completing the podium in 24:29:4.
Kiptoo won Kenya's first gold medal in the men's 5000m at the World Under-20 Championships in Peru last year.
In the 2km loop, World 1,500m silver medalist Reynold Cheruiyot won the race in 6:13:6, Daniel Munguti came in second in 6:14:7, and David Kipkoech completed the podium in 6:15:7.
In the women’s category, favourite Purity Chepkirui emerged victorious in 6:53:6, Judy Kemunto came in second in 7:00:0, with Winfred Mbithe finishing third in 7:02:1.
2025 National Cross Country collated results
8km U20 Men
Emmanuel Kiprono (North Rift) – 24:22:5
Frankline Kibet (North Rift) – 24:25:4
Andrew Alamisi (North Rift) – 24:29:7
6km U20 Women
Cynthia Chepkirui (Nairobi) – 20:38:8
Mirriam Chemutai (South Rift) – 20:49:1
Lonah Cherono (North Rift) – 21:00:0
10km senior men
Daniel Ebenyo Simiu (Kenya Police) – 30:11:1
Kevin Chesang (Central Rift) – 30:12:0
Dennis Kipkoech (South Rift) – 30:13:0
10km Senior Women
Maureen Jepkoech (Police) – 34:16:4
Brenda Jepchumba – 34:19:8
Glorius Jepkirui (Central Rift) – 34:26:8
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