Middle-distance runner Daniel Munguti says he is calm and prepared for a fiercely contested men’s 1,500m race at the Athletics Kenya National Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials, scheduled for June 18–20 at Nyayo National Stadium.
The trials will feature three days of intense competition as Kenya’s leading track and field athletes vie for Commonwealth Games berths in Glasgow, Scotland, with the 1,500m standing out as one of the most eagerly awaited events.
The lineup includes 2019 world champion Timothy Cheruiyot, reigning world bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot, and Munguti, who was among the Kenyan mixed relay team that secured gold at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships.
Although the stakes are high and the field is strong, Munguti says he is approaching the race with confidence and focus.
“I am not under pressure. The competition will be tough, but I am ready for it,” Munguti said.
He also recognized the importance of the event, noting that only the winner will gain automatic qualification for Team Kenya, subject to meeting all eligibility requirements.
“It will be a tough race because the first athlete across the finish line will secure automatic qualification,” he added.
The second and third places will be determined by the selection panel where required.
Munguti began his 2026 season at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, where he joined Reynold Cheruiyot, Winfred Mbithe, and Purity Chepkirui to help Kenya finish fourth in the mixed relay in 22:42.
He later delivered a strong performance at the Sirikwa Classic, placing second in the 2km loop in 5:53 behind Reynold Cheruiyot, who won in 5:52, while Timothy Cheruiyot finished third in 5:54.
At the Kip Keino Classic, Munguti maintained his form, running 3:36.21 to take third in the 1,500m behind Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who finished in 3:34.11, and Reynold Cheruiyot, who clocked 3:34.73.
He now faces a major challenge from defending national champion Reynold Cheruiyot, who will seek to retain the title he won last year in 3:37.23, narrowly beating Timothy Cheruiyot, who ran 3:37.28, while Abel Kipsang placed third in 3:40.20.
Reynold has also competed on the Diamond League circuit, finishing second in the 3,000m in Shanghai in 7:26.11 before placing seventh in the 1,500m in Rabat in 3:32.00 and ninth in the Mile in Oslo in 3:49.72.
Timothy Cheruiyot arrives in good form after winning the Mile at the Oslo Diamond League in 3:48.21. He earlier finished third in the 1,500m in Stockholm in 3:30.67, 13th in the 5,000m in Xiamen in 13:16.41, and fourth in the 3,000m in Shanghai in 7:27.24.
The strong field is further boosted by 2023 African champion Brian Komen, Patrick Rotich, Abel Kipsang, and Obadia Kipleting, setting up a closely fought contest for national recognition and Commonwealth Games places.