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Kenya strikes gold as Masters athletes shine in Daegu
02nd September, 2026 07:46 PM
Kenya continued its impressive medal-winning run at the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, with the country’s athletes producing a strong showing across cross-country, long jump and track events on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The latest results saw Kenya collect three gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals, further underlining the country’s strength among veteran athletes on the international stage.
Francis Kipkoech Bowen led the charge in the men’s 8km cross-country race, winning the M50 category after completing the course at Suseong Family Park in 26:52.
Bowen produced a commanding performance in the early morning heat to finish ahead of Spain’s Víctor Ramón Peña Martinez, who clocked 27:12 for silver. Great Britain’s Brian Wilder completed the podium after recording 27:21.
Kenya also dominated the women’s cross-country categories.
Florence Jepkosgei Chepsoi claimed gold in the W40 category in 29:00, finishing well ahead of Great Britain’s Rebecca Luxton, who took silver in 30:46. American April Lund settled for bronze in 31:08.
In the W45 category, Rosaline David delivered another gold-medal performance, crossing the line in 29:54. France’s Laetitia Bonnehorgue was second in 32:47, while Italy’s Giuseppina Piccaluga secured bronze in 34:11.
Kenya added a silver medal in the W50 category, with Joyce Kirui finishing second in 31:08. Belgium’s Sandrine Host won gold in 29:44, while Rachel De Weerd of the Netherlands took bronze in 32:29.
In the men’s 6km cross-country race, Julius Bilat finished fourth in the M70 category, narrowly missing out on a podium position.
Kenya’s medal haul was boosted further by Regina Malai Mulatya, who won bronze in the women’s W45 long jump. Mulatya produced a leap of 5.15 metres, while Switzerland’s Laura Torino Imberti claimed gold with 5.42m and Great Britain’s Melissa Foster took silver with 5.36m.
There was also success on the track at Daegu Stadium, where Sylvia Chesebe secured bronze in the W35 category. Chesebe finished behind Spain’s Stephanie Saavedra Araya, who clocked 57.00, and Great Britain’s Ilana Grandine, who recorded 57.15.
Grace Kidake was another Kenyan beneficiary after being elevated to first place in the W40 category following the disqualification of Benin’s Noelie Ditchakou Yarigo for a lane infringement. France’s Joanna Derbier was awarded silver, while Great Britain’s Alison Von Moger took bronze.
Kenya’s Elizabeth Muthuka finished fourth in the W50 category.
With more events still to come, the Athletics Kenya Masters team has another opportunity to add to its medal collection.
Elijah Chesoen will return to action in the M35 110m hurdles as he targets a second medal at the championships. Kenya will also field two relay teams in the 4x400m, with the events forming part of the final stages of the 26th edition of the World Masters Athletics Championships.
The strong performance in Daegu once again highlights Kenya’s enduring reputation in distance running while demonstrating that the country’s athletic talent extends well beyond the elite senior ranks.
