Two promising athletes from Kericho County, Faith Cherotich Rono and Mercy Chepng'eno Mageso, are set to represent Kenya in the women's 3000 metres race at the upcoming World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Both athletes secured their places after finishing first and second respectively at the national trials held earlier this year. Cherotich posted a time of 8:58.22, narrowly beating Chepng'eno who finished in 8:59.00, setting up a compelling rivalry as they prepare for the global stage.
Rising Stars from Kericho
At just 18 years old, Mercy Chepng'eno has been steadily making her mark internationally. She earned a bronze medal in the 2000m steeplechase at the 2025 African Under-18 Championships in Nigeria and placed eighth at both the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, USA, and the African Senior Championships in Ghana earlier this year.
Chepng'eno credits a strategic switch from the 400m to longer distances, advised by her coach, as pivotal to her progress. "I was initially a 400m runner, but my coach encouraged me to try the 3000m steeplechase and later the 3000m flat race due to my speed," she explained. She is determined to secure a medal in Oregon.
Kenya’s Quest to Regain the Title
Kenya has not won the women's 3000m at the World U20 Championships since Betty Chelangat's victory in Cali, Colombia, in 2022. Cherotich is confident the team is well-prepared to bring the gold back home.
"Our training camp at Lemotit has instilled discipline and a strong competitive edge in us," said Cherotich. "I'm focused on winning and eager to identify areas for further improvement after the championships."
Team Kenya at the Championships
The Kenyan contingent for the 21st edition of the World Athletics Under-20 Championships comprises 23 athletes, with 12 boys and 11 girls. The event runs from August 5 to 9, 2026, in Eugene, Oregon.
The team aims to uphold Kenya's reputation as a dominant force in middle and long-distance running on the world stage.
