Reigning champions Daniel Ebenyo Simiu and Agnes Jebet Ng’etich are have promised a thrilling race at the 5th edition of the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country set for tomorrow at the Lobo Village in Kapseret, uasin Gishu County.
Fresh from winning the world cross country title in tallahasse USA, Ngetich, who also holds the world record in 10km road in 28:46 is optimistic of defending her title.
“I am prepared under my coach and ready to run my race with no pressure. It’s not easy; anyone can win, but I am focusing on myself,” Ngetich said.
She be up against Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek enters as World Cross silver medalist.
“Competing with Agnes is something great, and gaining experience from her and other champions. It feels so good being in Kenya, it is just like I am at home,” she said.
“I can’t promise anything, but I will run my race, finish it, and may the best win. We started the season well and are hoping for the best,” Cheptoyek added.
In men, Ebenyo returns for his third Sirikwa attempt as defending champion and World Cross bronze medalist.
“I want fans to expect good results, and if it goes well tomorrow, it will be perfect for the entire year. With a bronze medal in Tallahassee, it speaks a lot about what to expect through the year,” Ebenyo said.
Coming all the way from Japan, Nobuhiro Sasaki, targeting a sub-28-minute 10,000m on track, makes his Kenyan cross-country debut.
“Tomorrow’s cross country, I will do my best. As a first timer in Kenya, I foresee a fast course as opposed to an easy course in Japan,” Sasaki said.
Despite her country involved in war against Russia, Ukraine’s Mariia Mazurenko is ready to bring another aspect in athletics.
“First time being in Kenya, it has always been my dream to go to Iten. Tomorrow’s race will be my first cross country of that nature as I usually focus on road races,” she said.
“The altitude is quite high, and it means I must be very careful — training easy with the difficult uphills and downs,” Mazurenko added.
Officials led by Barnaba Korir, “We endeavor to nurture young talent and bring vibrancy to the sport. Our approach creates a pathway for the next generation, blending education with running through programs guided by the Youth Development Office and junior holiday camps across the country,” he said. “This year alone, over 3,000 children have engaged with our programs, from holiday camps to school initiatives. It’s about allowing them to experience athletics firsthand, build discipline, and develop a love for the sport.”
Ibrahim Hussein Kipkemboi, host and Meet Technical Director, highlighted the meticulous planning behind the course. “Every element of the race, from sweeping ridges and technical mounds to misty sections, has been carefully designed to challenge athletes and showcase the demands of cross-country at the highest level,” Hussein.
Legendary coach Patrick Sang framed the race as a bridge between elite performance and youth development. “Sirikwa is not just about the elite race; it’s a model for integrating talent development into high-level competition. Young athletes watch these champions and learn — in every stride, they see the standards required to succeed,” Sang said.