Kenya’s veteran runners shine at World Masters in Daegu

Kenyan athletes continued their scintillating golden display at the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Seasoned road-racer Rosaline David rose to the occasion with another classy show as she defended her world 5000m title at the Civic Stadium. Roseline, who hails from West Pokot County, clocked 18 minutes and 57 seconds to win the W45 race under sweltering weather conditions.

Laetitia Bonnehorgue of France and Madeleine Amstrong of Great Britain settled for silver and bronze, respectively.

Earlier at the same venue, Florence Chepsoi, 40, also braved the scorching heat to bag a gold medal for Kenya in women’s 5000m in the W40 and W35 combined.

“I thank God for this victory. The race was tough but I managed to settle in well all the way to the finish line. I would like to thank the entire management of the Athletics Kenya Masters for the selection to represent my country here in Daegu,” Chepsoi said after a glorious debut.

55-year-old Lawnida Agatha Apiyo was the icing on Kenya’s cake as she remembered her heyday kick to win a silver medal in the W55 women’s 5000 m.

Kenya’s success on day four of the championships takes the country’s tally to 8 medals (5 gold and 2 silver), with more expected in the competition that is set to conclude on September 3, 2026.

In the last edition held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2024, Kenya bagged 26 medals, which included 7 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze.

Team Kenya Medal Summary (Daegu 2026)

Gold Medalists

Rosalinda David – Women’s 5000m – 18:57.20

Florence Chepsoi – Women’s 5000m – 

Eric Maugo Shikuku – Men’s M50 10 km Race Walk – 49:35

Peter Kariuki Wanjiru Men’s M40 10,000m 1:14

Sylvia Chesebe – Women’s W35 800m – 2.09

Betty Chebet Mwei – Gold Women’s W35 Discus (42.44)

Silver Medalists

Grace Kidake – Women’s W40 800 – 2.18.75

Lewnida Agatha Agatha– Women’s 5000