Long-distance queens set for high-stakes 10,000m battle at AK National Championships
Some of Kenya’s finest female endurance athletes are preparing for an exciting showdown at Nyayo National Stadium during the Athletics Kenya National Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials from Thursday, June 18, to Saturday, June 20, 2026, where the women’s 10,000m race is expected to be one of the most competitive events on the programme.
Leading contenders
Among the headline contenders is reigning African 10,000m champion Diana Wanza, who has enjoyed a remarkable season and enters the championships as one of the leading favourites.
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The 27-year-old began her year in impressive fashion by winning the Azpeitia Half Marathon in Spain, crossing the finish line in 1:07:31. She later returned to the track and delivered another dominant display during the African Championships trials, claiming victory in the 10,000m with a time of 32:12.1.
In that race, Wanza comfortably finished ahead of Mercy Chepng’eno, who clocked 32:27.2, and Phena Yego, who posted 32:47.4.
Her strong form continued at the Kip Keino Classic, where she produced a personal best of 15:28.91 in the 5,000m to secure yet another win.
Wanza’s biggest achievement of the year came in Accra, Ghana, on May 12 when she captured her first African Championships gold medal in the 10,000m after stopping the clock at 31:33.26.
Having enjoyed a successful campaign so far, the Kenyan star has made it clear that earning a place on the Commonwealth Games team remains a top priority.
“I have to make the team for the Commonwealth Games. I am hoping for a medal there too,” Wanza said after her appearance at the Kip Keino Classic.
Despite her impressive credentials, Wanza faces a formidable challenge from a strong field featuring established championship performers and accomplished road runners.
One of her main rivals will be defending national champion Loice Chemnung, who returns looking to retain the title she won last year. Chemnung secured the crown in 31:39.09, finishing ahead of Cintia Chepng’eno (32:22.44) and Rebecca Mwangi (32:22.85).
Chemnung has also been in excellent shape this season. She triumphed at the Barcelona Half Marathon on February 15 with a time of 1:04:01 before achieving a career milestone at the Boston Marathon on April 20, where she finished second in 2:19:35 to record her first podium appearance over the marathon distance.
Sheila Chepkirui joins the fray
The race will also feature New York Marathon champion Sheila Chepkirui, who arrives in Nairobi after an outstanding performance at the Nagoya Women’s Marathon, where she claimed victory in 2:21:54 on March 8, 2026.
Chepkirui will be aiming for another appearance at the Commonwealth Games after delivering a memorable performance in Birmingham four years ago.
At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, she secured the bronze medal in the women’s 10,000m with a time of 31:09.46, finishing behind Britain’s Eilish McColgan, who won in 30:48.60, and fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who took silver in 30:49.52.
Further strengthening the quality of the field is 2024 African champion Janeth Chepng’etich, who is expected to play a significant role in the contest.
National 5,000m title holder Rebecca Mwangi is also among the athletes tipped to challenge for top honours, alongside Pamela Kosgei, the 2025 NCAA champion in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events.
With several decorated athletes in peak condition and Commonwealth Games places at stake, the women’s 10,000m promises to deliver a thrilling battle on the track.
