African Championships 10,000m silver medallist Rebecca Mwangi is brimming with confidence as she targets a maiden appearance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The 24-year-old came agonisingly close to representing Kenya at the 2022 Birmingham Games, finishing sixth in the women’s 5,000m trials, but believes she is now better prepared to secure her spot.
“I was in Team Kenya last year at the African Championships and came back with silver,” Mwangi told The Star. “Next year, my target is to make the team yet again for the Commonwealth Games in both the 5,000m and 10,000m.”
Mwangi’s determination stems from her strong showing at the 2024 African Championships in Douala, Cameroon, where she clocked 36:59.69 to win silver in the 10,000 m behind compatriot Gladys Kwamboka (36:53.59).
Ethiopia’s Gela Hambese took bronze in 37:09.20. In the 5,000 m, Mwangi finished fourth in 15:46.05.
In addition, she hopes to lower her personal bests of 14:55.32 in the 5,000m (set in 2020) and 31:35.16 in the 10,000m, recorded earlier this year at the Ulinzi Complex.
Her 2026 season will begin with the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, in January. She will compete in the senior women’s 10km race alongside defending champion Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Ng’etich, Maurine Chebor, Brenda Jepchumba, Glorious Jepkirui, and Lilian Kasait.
Mwangi earned her place in the squad after finishing fifth at the national championships on 25 October in Eldoret, clocking 34:38.7.
“The race was good. I got left behind in the final kilometer, but I am happy with the results,” she reflected.
Before the national cross-country event, Mwangi made a stunning debut in the half marathon, winning the Tokyo Legacy race on October 19 in 1:08:46.
“Before coming to the national cross country, I ran a half marathon. I had a little fatigue, but I pushed myself to ensure I make Team Kenya,” she said.
The national 5,000m champion says she is open to exploring more road races in the future. “I can’t say I am switching to the half marathon, but I will be competing in some races,” she explained.
Mwangi has been among Kenya’s most consistent athletes this season.
She began her year with a 21st-place finish at the national cross-country championships, before improving steadily through the Sirikwa Classic, the AK Weekend Meetings, and the national championships, where she claimed the 5,000m title in 15:39.78.
She missed a place in Kenya’s 10,000 m team for the World Championships in Tokyo after finishing sixth in the trials.
