The 2024 NCAA cross country season has seen a surge in Kenyan athletes, with the October Pre-Nationals in Madison showcasing Kenyan dominance. In the women’s race, Kenyan athletes secured a 1-2-3 finish, while a total of eight Kenyan runners finished in the top 10 across both men’s and women’s events. This marked a significant increase, with more Kenyans in the top 10 than in all Nuttycombe Invitational races combined from 2013-2023.
Kenyan runners have been a mainstay in the NCAA for decades, but 2024 has brought a new wave of talent, particularly freshmen athletes. Teams outside the usual hotbeds for Kenyan talent—like Iowa State, Alabama, and Texas Tech—are now seeing more Kenyan athletes. Freshmen such as Bernard Cheruiyot and Caroline Jeptanui (Tulane), Nicholas Kipchirchir (Virginia Tech), and Joy Naukot (West Virginia) are making a name for themselves, reshaping the landscape of college cross country.
What’s driving this growth? A few key factors explain why Kenyan runners are more present in NCAA competitions this year. First, changes to the visa application process have made it easier for athletes to secure a U.S. visa. Previously, many Kenyan athletes faced long delays or denials in obtaining visas, but some have found alternative routes by applying in third-party countries, such as Mauritius or South Africa. Secondly, changes to NCAA rules have made it financially viable for athletes to come to U.S. colleges. With the ability to offer full cost-of-attendance scholarships and additional academic awards, schools can now cover tuition, room, board, and more. This provides a more attractive option than staying in Kenya, where professional contracts often offer much lower compensation.
Additionally, the role of recruiting services has expanded. Recruiting agencies like Scholarbook Premier have helped connect U.S. college coaches with Kenyan runners. These services help coaches verify times and results, making the recruiting process more efficient and transparent. Thanks to these agencies, coaches now have a smoother path to recruit top talent from Kenya, increasing the number of Kenyan athletes in NCAA programs.
With these changes reshaping how Kenyan athletes make their way to the U.S., the future of NCAA cross country looks brighter than ever. As the 2024 NCAA championships approach, more Kenyan runners are expected to compete at the highest level, continuing their tradition of success in U.S. college sports.
