Why Loice Chemnung will skip Commonwealth Games despite winning Athletics Kenya trials

Reigning Athletics Kenya (AK) national 10,000m champion, Loice Chemnung, will not represent Kenya at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow despite winning the trials.

Chemnung, who crossed the finish line first in 31:46.90 to automatically secure qualification for Team Kenya, has instead opted to focus on her preparations for the Chicago Marathon later this year.

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The long-distance specialist revealed that her priority has shifted to the marathon, a discipline she believes requires a completely different training approach and more dedicated preparation time than track events.

“I am very happy to have defended my title. My main focus now is the marathon, and preparing for it is very different from a 10,000m race. The marathon requires more time and specialized training, so I will be returning to continue my preparations for the Chicago Marathon,” Chemnung told Mozzart Sport.

Chemnung's decision comes as she continues to build an impressive marathon career.

The Kenyan will be making only her third appearance over the classic 42km distance after debuting at the Chicago Marathon in October 2025 and competing at the Boston Marathon earlier this year.

In her marathon debut in Chicago, Chemnung clocked an impressive 2:18:24 to finish fourth, narrowly missing out on a podium place.

Ethiopia's Hawi Feysa claimed victory in 2:14:57 ahead of compatriot Megertu Alemu (2:17:18), while Tanzania's Magdalena Shauri took third place in 2:18:03.

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Chemnung returned even stronger at the 2026 Boston Marathon, where she finished second in the women's elite race in a time of 2:19:35.

She was beaten only by fellow Kenyan Sharon Lokedi, who won the prestigious race in 2:18:51.

Having finished just outside the podium places in Chicago last year, Chemnung is targeting a stronger performance when she returns to the American major later this season.

The Boston Marathon campaign, however, affected her preparations for the AK trials.

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Chemnung admitted she had limited time to prepare after spending much of April competing and recovering from the race in the United States.

“I did not have the best preparation for these trials because I was competing in Boston last month. My build-up was not ideal, but I thank God for helping me secure the victory,” she said.

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Despite the challenges, the former world cross-country medalist still managed to outclass a strong field and retain her national crown.

“Defending the title was not easy because the competition was very strong. I am grateful to have retained it, and this year I want to keep pushing myself, improve my performances, and break even more records,” Chemnung added.

In Glasgow, Kenya will be represented by Miriam Chebet and Diana Wanza, who will be looking to end the country’s 12-year wait for the women’s 10,000m Commonwealth Games title.