Over 800 of Kenya’s finest athletes will converge for the combined national trials at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi on April 9-11, each chasing a coveted place in Team Kenya.

With the World Athletics Relays 2026 and the Africa Senior Athletics Championships 2026 tickets at stake, every stride, throw, and leap will carry the weight of dreams.

In the women’s 5000 metres, all eyes will be on 1500m queen Faith Kipyegon. Known for her elegance and dominance on the track, Kipyegon will step up again to a longer distance, testing both her endurance and her legacy. She will face rising talents and seasoned runners eager to challenge her.

The women’s 1500 metres promises its own fireworks, with Nelly Chepchirchir expected to carry the hopes of a new generation. Meanwhile, in the men’s 800 metres, the battle will be fierce. Olympic and world champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi will face off against the determined list of runners, including former world indoor medalist Noah Kibet in a race where fractions of a second will define destiny.

The water barriers of the 3000m steeplechase will test grit and rhythm. In the women’s race, Faith Cherotich will aim to stamp her authority, while in the men’s event, Edmund Serem and Benjamin Kigen will duel in a contest of endurance and precision.

Elsewhere, the men’s 1500 metres will feature former world under-20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot, while the women’s 800 metres will deliver a generational clash. Former world champion Mary Moraa will go up against world champion Lilian Odira and African winner Sarah Moraa, and the experienced 38-year-old Sylvia Chesebe, whose longevity will embody resilience.

On the sprints track, Mercy Oketch will chase speed and qualification, knowing relay slots will demand precision under strict criteria. Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala along with Africa Under-20 gold medalist Clinton Aluvi are some of the star athletes in men's 100m. In the long distances, the women’s 10,000 metres will see Janeth Chepngetich, Loice Chemnung, and Mercy Cherono battle for limited places, while the men’s race will bring together experienced names like Daniel Simiu, Samwel Masai, and veteran Paul Tanui.

Beyond the track, the field events will add their own drama. The javelin will soar in the hands of Julius Yego and Irene Jepkemboi, while Winny Bii will pursue glory in the triple jump. Defying age and expectation, 50-year-old Regina Mulatya will compete in both the long jump and triple jump, proving that passion will know no limits.

As athletes will prepare to collect their bibs on April 8, one message will stand firm from Athletics Kenya that participation will be mandatory, and performance will be decisive. Automatic qualification will await the fastest, but selectors will still have the final say in crucial slots.