Athletics Kenya (AK) has unveiled a strong team of 58 athletes to represent the country at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships scheduled for September 13 to 21, 2025, in Japan.

The squad was selected following intense national trials held on Tuesday, July 22, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. Over 150 athletes participated, with the top two finishers in each event automatically qualifying, while a third was chosen by a selection panel.

In the men’s marathon, Vincent Ngetich, who placed third at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon and second at the 2023 Berlin Marathon behind Eliud Kipchoge, leads the team.

He boasts a personal best of 2:03.13. He will be joined by Kennedy Kimutai and Erick Kiplagat Sang. Hillary Kipkoech serves as a reserve.

The women’s marathon team includes Olympic champion Peres Chepchirchir, Jackline Cherono, Janeth Chepngetich, Agnes Jebet, and Magdaline Masai. Vivian Cheruiyot, a celebrated former champion, is the reserve athlete.

Kenya’s middle- and long-distance runners feature prominently. Triple Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, holding a wild card, will compete alongside Nelly Chepchirchir, Dorcas Ewoi, and Susan Ejore in the women’s 1500m.

Beatrice Chebet, double Olympic gold medalist in the 5000m and 10,000m, is also part of the team, as is Olympic 3000m steeplechase bronze medalist Faith Cherotich.

The men’s 1500m squad includes promising teenager Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, alongside seasoned runners Timothy Cheruiyot and Reynold Cheruiyot.

Sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala will be Kenya’s sole 100m representative. Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m), Edmund Serem (3000m steeplechase), and Mary Moraa also made the team.

Serem, fresh from winning the steeplechase trials, acknowledged the stiff global competition he will face, including world champions and record holders.

The team will begin residential training at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret before moving to Nairobi for final preparations ahead of the Tokyo World Championships.