By KPC Sports Reporter
Middle-distance runner Daniel Munguti says he is relaxed and ready ahead of a highly competitive men’s 1,500m contest at the Athletics Kenya National Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials set for June 18–20 at Nyayo National Stadium.
The national trials promise three days of intense action as Kenya’s top track and field athletes battle for places at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with the 1,500m emerging as one of the most anticipated races.
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The event features a star-studded lineup headlined by 2019 world champion Timothy Cheruiyot, reigning world bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot, and Munguti, who was part of Kenya’s mixed relay team that won gold at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships.
Despite the high stakes and fierce competition, Munguti insists he is approaching the race with confidence and composure.
“I am not under pressure. The competition will be tough, but I am ready for it,” Munguti said.
He, however, acknowledged the significance of the race, where only the winner earns automatic qualification to Team Kenya, provided all eligibility requirements are met.
“It will be a tough race because the first athlete across the finish line will secure automatic qualification,” he added.
The second and third spots will be decided by the selection panel where necessary.
Munguti’s 2026 season began at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, where he teamed up with Reynold Cheruiyot, Winfred Mbithe, and Purity Chepkirui to help Kenya finish fourth in the mixed relay in 22:42.
He later impressed at the Sirikwa Classic, finishing second in the 2km loop in 5:53 behind Reynold Cheruiyot, who won in 5:52, with Timothy Cheruiyot taking third in 5:54.
At the Kip Keino Classic, Munguti continued his strong form, clocking 3:36.21 to finish third in the 1,500m behind Emmanuel Wanyonyi (3:34.11) and Reynold Cheruiyot (3:34.73).
However, he now faces a stern test against defending national champion Reynold Cheruiyot, who will be aiming to retain the title he won last year in 3:37.23, narrowly edging out Timothy Cheruiyot (3:37.28), with Abel Kipsang finishing third in 3:40.20.
Reynold has since tested himself on the Diamond League circuit, finishing second in the 3,000m in Shanghai (7:26.11) before placing seventh in the 1,500m in Rabat (3:32.00) and ninth in the Mile in Oslo (3:49.72).
Timothy Cheruiyot, meanwhile, arrives in strong form after winning the Mile at the Oslo Diamond League in 3:48.21. Earlier, he finished third in the 1,500m in Stockholm (3:30.67), 13th in the 5,000m in Xiamen (13:16.41), and fourth in the 3,000m in Shanghai (7:27.24).
The deep field is further strengthened by 2023 African champion Brian Komen, Patrick Rotich, Abel Kipsang, and Obadia Kipleting, setting up a tightly contested battle for national honours and Commonwealth Games slots.
