Africa-Press – Kenya. The Sirikwa Classic Cross Country World Tour once again lived up to its billing as one of the continent’s most competitive and unpredictable meetings.
Eldoret came to a standstill as athletes and fans thronged Lobo Village to witness the spectacle that is the Sirikwa Classic, a World Athletics Gold Label event.
The start list for the senior and Under-20 contests read like a who’s who of Kenyan distance running royalty.
Established stars rubbed shoulders with rising talents, each lacing up with ambition etched across their faces, ready to carve their names into the storied history of Sirikwa.
The biggest surprise of this year’s edition came in the senior men’s 10km where reigning Boston Marathon champion John Korir stormed to victory, comfortably dispatching defending champion Daniel Ebenyo.
Korir stopped the clock at 29:44, holding off a late charge from Amos Kiprotich, who timed 29:46 for second place.
Youngster Silas Senchura sealed the podium, matching Kiprotich stride for stride in a heart-stopping dash to the line.
Two-time champion Ebenyo, a pre-race favourite, was forced to settle for fifth in 29:57.
Despite the statement win, Korir admitted victory had not been part of the original plan.
“I did not expect to win. During the warm-up, the other athletes kept reminding me this is not marathon, but cross country,” Korir said.
Yet beneath the playful banter, the road warrior carried quiet conviction.
“But I told them if I go all the way to the 6km mark, you will not see me again because my body will have already adapted to the course and warmed up.”
The 29-year-old revealed the outing was primarily meant to test his condition as he maps out the season ahead.
“This is my first cross country race and I just won it. I feel good about the win. I only came here to gauge my body and I can see it is good.”
In the women’s race, newly minted world champion Agnes Ng’etich stamped her authority on Sirikwa once again, successfully defending the crown she claimed last year.
Ng’etich powered to victory in 32:28, outkicking Mercy Chepkemoi (33:42) and Catherine Reline.
Ng’etich had won last year’s race in 32:42.
She noted that although the conditions were punishing, the roar of the home crowd carried her through the decisive moments.
“It was just like last time. The humidity was high, it was hot and windy,” she said.
“But I loved the atmosphere. Everyone was chanting my name. I was so happy and strong so I had to push. It was so nice running at home,” Ng’etich said.
Ng’etich arrived in Eldoret with confidence after capturing her maiden global crown at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee last month.
“The world title is something I had searched for long. I did not give up and finally I won it in Tallahassee,” she said.
She also took pride in watching the Sirikwa Classic blossom into a premier fixture.
“This is my third time running here and I am so happy to have been part of this race. It has really grown and it’s amazing to have a gold label event at home” she observed.
“Cross country is a build-up for track for me and it’s something I have loved for long.”
The chief guest of the day, Kipchumba Murkomen, lauded the organisation of the championship and the strides the event continues to make on the global circuit.
“I must commend Athletics Kenya and the race director Barnaba Korir because you continue to make us very proud,” Murkomen said.
“This was amazing. Every other year it’s getting better and better and I look forward to being with you in next year’s event.”
Murkomen reflected on his short stint as the Caninet Secretary for Sports, noting it offered him a front-row seat to the sacrifice and commitment required to fly the Kenyan flag high.
“I was here for a very short time but it was one of my most memorable times in public service,” he said.
“I got to understand what the sports fraternity is doing, what AK is doing and what our athletes are doing to bring glory to our country.”
“Congratulations to all the athletes who raced and to all those who won. I am very proud of the good work you have done.”
In the Under-20 ranks, world silver medallist Emmanuel Kiprono and Venenza Chebet were in imperious form as they swept to the titles.
Kiprono cut the tape in a commanding 23:41, well clear of Wesley Kipkoech, who clocked 24:08, while Edwin Elkana completed the podium in 24:21.
The youngster had arrived buoyed by his breakthrough on the world stage in Tallahassee, where he ran 23:20 to bag silver behind compatriot Frankline Kibet, who timdd 23:18.
Chebet timed 20:28 to finish well ahead of Lonah Cherono (20:36) and Cynthia Chepkirui (20:45).
