The Kenyan coastal town of Kilifi welcomed athletes from across Africa and the Indian Ocean region for the 2026 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup Kilifi on 9 August. Held at the Silver Palm Spa & Resort in the Bofa Beach area, the event gave athletes the chance to race in the Indian Ocean before taking on a fast coastal bike course and a beachfront run. The event brought together athletes from KEN, TUN, MRI, TOG, NAM, MOZ, UGA, ALG and TAN, providing them the opportunity to race against international competition in the region.
Men's Event
The men's race was closely contested, with Mohamed Aziz Hamdi (TUN) taking the win in 59:14. He finished just 16 seconds ahead of Jean Gael Laurent L'Entete (MRI), with Eloi Adjavon (TOG) third in 59:42. Hamdi and L'Entete both recorded a 10:54 swim, while Adjavon produced the fastest bike split of the race in 30:51. Maximilian Betts (NAM) finished fourth in 1:00:17 and Youssef Slama (TUN) was fifth in 1:00:49. Host nation Kenya was well represented, with Mohamed Abdulaziz finishing seventh in 1:03:00 and Robert Robin 11th. A number of younger Kenyan athletes also gained international racing experience as part of the home team.
Women's Event
There was a home victory in the women's race, with Megan Irungu (KEN) taking first place in 1:13:22. Irungu produced a strong run of 19:51 to move clear of the field and secure the win. Saleha Nerddjes Berrached (ALG) finished second in 1:19:13, having recorded the fastest swim of the women's race in 13:13. Jana Mutschler (NAM) was third in 1:20:07 after setting the fastest bike split in 35:30. Keira Rajabalee (MAU) finished fourth, while Faith Mugweru (KEN) was fifth. Host nation Kenya was well represented in the women's race, with Iman Kaiza sixth and Silvya Atieno seventh.
From racing to YOG preparation
The Regional Cup was followed immediately by the 2026 Kilifi Africa Triathlon – World Triathlon YOG Development Camp, held from 9–13 August. The camp was organised for selected Africa YOG 2026 athletes and coaches as part of their preparation for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Athletes and coaches from ALG, KEN, NAM, MRI and ZIM were invited to take part. Holding the camp alongside the Regional Cup allowed the athletes to combine international racing with further preparation and training. For the younger athletes, the week also provided an opportunity to work with coaches and other athletes from across the continent as they prepare for the next stage of their development.
Kilifi provides a memorable setting
With the Regional Cup and YOG Development Camp taking place in the same week, Kilifi provided a busy few days of racing, training and preparation for athletes and coaches from across Africa. World Triathlon Development thanks the Kenya Triathlon Federation, athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers for their contribution to a successful week in Kilifi.