Kenya’s global recognition in grassroots athletics has inspired organizers of the 5th edition of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour to scale up participation in the Kids Athletics races, with a target of over 3,500 children when the event takes place on February 14, 2026, at Lobo Village, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
The ambitious target follows Kenya’s victory in the World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Day Member Federation Challenge, where the country emerged as the world’s best-performing federation for successfully mobilising children in athletics activities.
Competition Director Kennedy Tanui said the expanded focus on children reflects a long-term vision of nurturing future champions at the grassroots level.
“Kids are the future champions of this country and they must be nurtured early,” said Tanui. “Last year, we had about 3,000 children competing in various categories. This year, we want to increase that number to 3,500 to enhance talent growth and make the race even more attractive as we develop tomorrow’s stars.”
Tanui noted that Kenya’s international recognition through the Kids Athletics Day Relay underlines the importance of exposing young athletes to structured competition from an early age.
“With Kenya being recognised globally, it is important for our local kids to gain exposure and compete at a level that prepares them for the world stage,” he added.
To achieve the increased participation, organizers plan to partner closely with schools in and around Uasin Gishu County, which Tanui described as a rich talent base.
“We have many schools with talented children. Our target is to ensure we bring as many kids to the race as possible,” he said.
The Kids Athletics programme at the Sirikwa Classic will feature competitions in three age categories: 5–8 years, 9–12 years, and 13–15 years, for both boys and girls.
The Sirikwa Classic is a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold Label event and continues to grow in stature, combining elite international competition with a strong emphasis on grassroots development.
According to the World Athletics, the Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei was quoted “We’re delighted to be named the winner of the Kids’ Athletics Day Member Federation Challenge. With the support of our nationally trained Kids’ Athletics instructors, Athletics Kenya mobilised thousands of children through schools and community partnerships, offering children opportunities to engage in structured athletics, promoting physical development, teamwork and a spirit of fun. The Kids’ Athletics programme in Kenya has become a cornerstone of our grassroots development strategy, playing a vital role in talent identification and instilling a lifelong appreciation for sport and healthy living.”