Two time Olympic Games 1,500m champion Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon and the world 10,000m silver medalist Stanley Waithaka Mburu will highlight the second edition of Sirikwa Classic Cross country set for tomorrow at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.
Kipyegon said that she will be using the cross country as a build up for 2023 World championships in Budapest, Hungary.
“I’m going back to cross country and I can’t say it is a hard race as they say,” said Kipyegon.
She added that she is not under pressure for tomorrow’s show, competing with world renown cross country runners.
“The preparation for Budapest is on and starting with cross country season may lead to a world record. I have gone back to the drawing board to ensure that I achieve my goal. I have no pressure to run with top cross country athletes tomorrow,” added Kipyegon.
Waithaka said that he is ready for the race as part of build up for Budapest.
“Last year, I finished 4th and I learnt a lesson. Just like in Oregon, I won silver after falling but I was determined and focused. And coming back to cross country I want to run better in my season opener. I am here to improve on my position last year it was fire but now it is fire,” he said.
Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei said that the number of participants have increased due to way the race has been organized.
“Sirikwa is the beginning of a full packed year and I would like athletes and coaches to work round the clock to prepare the year very well” said Tuwei.
Sirikwa Classic chairman Ibrahim Hussein said that it is a great honour to host the event as a retired athlete.
“During Uganda world cross country, we had inverted steeplechase hurdles, which might hurt athletes but this on we have the right steeplechase hurdles,” he said.