Former Kenyan 1,500-metre champion Daniel Munguti is targeting a podium finish at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, this weekend, three years after a disappointing debut at the global event.

Munguti finished 13th in the men's one-mile road race at the 2023 championships in Riga, Latvia, clocking 4:00.67. Fellow Kenyan Reynold Cheruiyot was 22nd in 4:05.91, while American Hobbs Kessler won gold in 3:56.13.

Munguti, 31, believes the experience has prepared him for a stronger performance in Copenhagen.

“This time I am more experienced. I will be more patient, stay in the pack and save energy for the last phase. I also understand the road mile better now. It’s not like the track; positioning is very important,” Munguti tells The Star in Kenya.

Medal challenge

The Kenyan has set a personal best as his primary target but is also aiming to challenge for a medal.

“My first target is to run a personal best and make the team proud,” he said.

“The field is very strong, so I want to be competitive too and fight for a podium position. If I execute my race plan well, the time and position will come.”

Munguti has enjoyed a strong 2026 season and has been preparing in Iten under coach Peter Bii, focusing on speed endurance and his finishing pace.

Munguti opened his season at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, where he teamed up with Cheruiyot, Winfred Mbithe and Purity Chepkirui to finish fourth in the mixed relay in 22:42.

He then finished second at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour before returning to the track.

Munguti placed third in the 1,500m at the Kip Keino Classic in 3:36.21 before winning the event at the Kenya Defence Forces Track and Field Championships in 3:41.47.

He continued his strong run of form in Finland, winning the 3,000m at the Joensuu Motonet GP in 7:49.04 and the 1,500m at the Tampere Meeting in 3:40.65.