Feverpitch as World Athletics U-20 Championships trials continue at Nyayo stadium
By Joel Masibo, May 23, 2026Kenya’s rising athletics talents are making a strong statement as the World Under-20 trials continue at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with Day Two action on the cards for Saturday, May 23, 2026.
On Friday, May 22, 2026, Cynthia Chepkurui and Emmanuel Kiprono produced impressive victories in the women’s 5000m and men’s 3000m respectively.
Chepkurui displayed excellent race management in the women’s 5000m, staying among the leading runners during the opening laps before increasing the pace late in the contest to pull clear for victory in 15:24.4. Joyline Chepkemoi crossed second in 15:37.8 while Mercy Chepngeno Mageso settled for third place.
The race started cautiously as competitors carefully monitored one another before the intensity gradually rose. Chepkurui remained calm throughout and responded effectively whenever the tempo changed. In the final stages, she broke away decisively and never looked back.
Speaking after her win, the young athlete expressed belief in her ability ahead of the upcoming global championship.
“I have faith I will bring home gold,” she said.
Chepkemoi, who finished second, praised the support and guidance she receives while training in Iten alongside established athletes including Beatrice Chebet.
“As I train in Iten under Beatrice Chebet, I appreciate the mentorship she gives us,” she noted.
She also revealed that this season marks the end of her participation in the Under-20 category as she prepares to transition fully into senior international competition.
“This is my last Under-20 race, and when we go to Oregon, I wish the best athlete to win because the medal will still come home to Kenya. Personally, I am going for a medal bracket,” she added.
Men’s battle
In the men’s 3000m final, Emmanuel Kiprono delivered a tactical performance before unleashing a powerful finishing burst to claim victory in 7:35.4. Elkanah Edwin Sanutia came home second while Enock Tuitoeck completed the podium places.
Kiprono explained that he decided to make his move after sensing hesitation from the rest of the field during the decisive moments of the race.
“My body was responding well and seeing none was competitive, I decided to open the gap and move forward,” he said.
The youngster added that training sessions with senior runners have greatly improved his finishing speed and race awareness.
“I did my speed workouts with seniors, and it helped me,” he added.
He also acknowledged the role his athletics background at home has played in shaping his discipline and competitive mentality.
The opening day of the trials once again underlined Kenya’s depth in junior distance running, with several promising athletes making strong cases for selection to Team Kenya for the World Under-20 Championships in Oregon.
Focus now turns to the finals scheduled for Saturday, where the 800m and 1500m races are expected to provide even stiffer competition as athletes fight for places on the national team.
Curbing age cheating
Initially, Barnaba Korir, Executive member and Youth Development director at Athletics Kenya, said AK have put measures in place to eradicate age cheating the trials.
“As Athletics Kenya, we remain committed to thoroughly scrutinizing all relevant athlete documentation to ensure competitors participate in their rightful age categories as we intensify efforts to combat age cheating in sports and uphold integrity in athletics.” H e said.