It's more than just a name : Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour lives to the hype

The 2024 Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour gold happened on Saturday, February 3, at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.

The event attracted thousands of fans who thronged the venue to cheer on their favorite local and international athletes.

From the very first moment to the final cheer, the event unfolded with flawless accuracy.

The race attracted some of the country's best athletes, who went head-on with the locals cheering them on.

Some of the athletes included World 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, reigning World 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, trailblazing athlete Immaculate Anyango, and 2021 World Under-20 1500m champion Purity Chepkirui, among others.

Simiu carried the day in 29:16, while Anyango braved the high temperatures to cross the line in 32:55. Despite starting slowly, Simiu claimed the top position narrowly ahead of Ishmael Kipkurui, who completed the race in 29:18, while Weldon Lagat completed the podium in 29:26.

In the senior women's category, Anyango braved the high temperatures to emerge as the winner. She finished ahead of Joycelline Jepkosgei (33:10) and Catherine Reline (33:18).

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Children, too, did not disappoint. Thousands of them turned up, all branded on the race's t-shirts, to compete in the junior 500-meter race. Race director Barnaba Korir revealed that up to 3,000 kids turned up for the event and were forced to turn back others.

The majority of young runners finished the tough course, with some fainting at the finish line. The first aiders were the busiest as other determined young souls limped to the mark. Most of the athletes competed without shoes.

"For the first time, we have the young generation given the opportunity to run well and we have discovered quite a number of them who are talented. They have also discovered themselves. This opportunity is a perfect one so that they can grow knowing that athletics is where they belong," Athletics Kenya (AK) President Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jackson Tuwei told the attendees.

The president noted that the event showcased the country's potential in the upcoming Cross Country Championships in Tunis, Tunisia. He was optimistic that Kenya would produce a fine-tuned team for the challenge.

"There are a lot of events coming up. We want to produce a good team for the tasks," he urged.

There was also an elderly category where women from 50 years to infinity and men from 60 years and above competed. They all finished the 1km race and were still energetic for the interviews. The top positions were rewarded, and all participants went home with a blanket each.

"I am very happy today. I keep urging AK to host more of these so that we can compete as well. Running helps maintain one's body. I would advise younger people to engage in physical exercise," 72-year-old Jennifer Jepkosgei told Mozzart Sport.

Sports Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum lauded AK for a job well done, pleasing the event's all-around organization. More than 15 countries graced the event.

"We have seen children from the age of 21. For that, we have been great, and we congratulate AK for a great job. We also had an awesome elderly section. Apart from the competitive section, there is also a social aspect of it," he observed.

One of the standout features of the marathon was the electrifying performance of the traditional dancers that entertained the spectators and guests. The traditional, soul-stirring songs added an extra layer of excitement to the event.

The location of the event was well planned . Lobo Village in Kapseret is nestled between the athletics-rich Eldoret town and the Eldoret International town. This focal point provided accessibility and convenience for participants, spectators, and organizers.

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