World Masters Athletics Championships: Half marathon success pushes Kenya’s medal count to 15

The Kenyan national anthem shone at the Citizens Stadium in Daegu twice on Sunday, August 30, 2026, as Peter Kariuki and Alice Chelang’at bossed proceedings in the half marathon at the ongoing 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in South Korea.

Chelangat, 50, displayed a flawless performance in rainy conditions to take home a deserved gold medal in the women’s W45, clocking 1:23:57.

Gia Canali of the USA settled for silver in a time of 1:27:24, while Morocco’s Fatima Zohra Maissour finished third.

“This is a dream come true for me. I am happy for this win; I came well prepared, though the field was tough. I am glad to have won my first gold medal in this championship, and I hope to do well also in 1500 m,” Chelang’at said.

15 medals accrued

Peter Kariuki Wanjiri, 44, delivered a fine run from start to finish, brushing off his competitors to touch the finish tape in a time of 1:06:43 to win the men’s race.

The two medals take Kenya’s harvest to 15 medals in the championship, including 11 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze.

Earlier on Friday, August 28, 2026, Kenya secured double 5,000m gold on the track, led by Paul Kipkorir’s dominant victory in the men’s M40 category with a time of 14:32.27.

Elgeyo-Marakwet’s Francis Kipkoech Bowen matched the feat in the M50 division, braving harsh conditions to lead gun-to-tape and successfully defend his title in 15:27.79.

The 26th edition of global events runs from August 22 to September 3, 2026, and brings together over 11,000 master athletes from 106 countries.

Sylvia Chesebe, who captured gold in the Women’s W35 800 m, Peter Wanjiru (men’s M40 10km road race (31:14)); and Eric Shikuku (men’s M50 10km race walk) were other victors of Kenya’s multi-discipline dominance.

Team Kenya Medal Summary (Daegu 2026)

Gold Medalists

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

Florence Chepsoi – Women’s 5000m –

Eric 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 – Women’s W35 Discus (42.44)

Betty Chebet Mwei – Women’s Javelin W35 (41.51 m)

Francis Bowen – Men’s 5000m M50

Paul Kipkorir – Men’s 5000 M40

Alice Chelangat – Women’s Half Marathon

Peter Kariuki – Men’s Half Marathon

Silver Medalists

Grace Kidake – Women’s W40 800 – 2.18.75

Lewnida Agatha Opiyo – Women’s 5000

Paul Kipsiele Koech – Men’s 1500m M40

Bronze Medalist

Caroline Kola – Women’s W65 Shotput

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