Celebrated athletics coach on benefits of Kenya hosting two World Athletics gold label events

Decorated athletics coach Patrick Sang has listed the benefits Kenya gets from hosting two World Athletics gold-label events.

Kenya first hosted the Sirikwa Classic in 2022 – then known as the Agnes Tirop Memorial Race.

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In 2023, it was changed to Sirikwa Classic. The same year, Kenya hosted the first edition of the Chepsaita Cross Country which was then a silver-label event. It was then upgraded to gold-label event in 2024. Kenya also hosts the prestigious Kipkeino Classic.

According to coach Sang, these competitions present immense benefits to the local and international sporting community.

“These events show the country’s status as an athletics powerhouse. We appreciate the federation for successfully lobbying to bring them here,” Sang said.

He noted that over the years, young athletes have emerged from such competitions, using them as stepping stones to international success.

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“We’ve seen many young athletes nurtured through this competition, rising to international levels. Hosting athletes from different nations is also a great initiative, and the ripple effects of this race are immense,” he added.

Kenya’s reputation for staging top-tier athletics events has been evident in the past, including hosting the 2017 World U-18 Championships.

Sang believes these events not only enhance Kenya’s global recognition but also provide local athletes with invaluable opportunities to compete against the best in the world.

For instance, the 2024 Kip Keino Classic was graced by some top athletes like Letsile Tebogo.

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“Any sport thrives on its audience and followers. Looking at past international events we’ve hosted the World U-17 and the World U-18 Championships; the ratings have always been high, which is a positive sign for the growth of our sport,” he stated.

Sang further highlighted the importance of cross-country events as a foundation for success in track competitions.

“It’s fantastic to see elite athletes show up for these events because it’s the best way to build the sport. Sports scientists will tell you that cross country is the foundation for success in track events, both nationally and internationally,” he concluded.

Coach Sang has mentored some of the finest athletes in the country. He coached Faith Kipyegon to three 1,500m Olympic titles, coached Kipchoge to be the first human to ever run a marathon in sub-two during the INEOS 1:59 challenge, and was the force behind Geoffrey Kamworor’s double victory at the New York Marathon.