John Korir confirmed for highly-anticipated Sirikwa Classic
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 12.02.26. | 09:25
He faces a tough test in a men's 10km race that promises fierce competition, headlined by two-time defending champion and world cross-country bronze medalist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo
Kenya's athletic fans will have the rare opportunity of watching the eighth fastest marathoner John Korir compete at home, as the 29-year-old is expected to line up for the senior men's race at the Sirikwa Classic set for Saturday, 14 December.
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The reigning Boston Marathon champion who last raced in Valencia on 7 December last year for a 2:02:24 victory, will be lining for his first cross country race.
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“I am excited to run the Sirikwa Classic with a home crowd cheering me,” Korir told World Athletics ahead of the debut. “My race plan is to win in front of the home crowd and the fans who usually watch me on TV, and to give them the chance to watch me live.”
Korir who raced his personal best (PB) in the classic distance in Valencia last year, barely two months after failing to finish at Chicago Marathon where he was out to defend his title, is also using the Classic as part of his preparations for his anticipated Boston Marathon title defense on 20 April. Eight of the top ten finishers from last year's race will return.
Racing in unfamiliar territory, Korir faces a tough test in a men's 10km race that promises fierce competition, headlined by two-time defending champion and world cross-country bronze medalist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo.
The duo has clashed twice at the Chicago Marathon in 2024 where Ebenyo was fifth, and again last year where Ebenyo finished 13th as Korir failed to finish.
“My race plan for Saturday is built on faith, courage and championship mentality,” said Ebenyo, who hopes to become the first athlete to complete a hat-trick at the Sirikwa Classic. “I am not just showing up to compete, I am showing up to contend, to fight and to finish strong.”
As well as seeking another win, Ebenyo sees the Sirikwa Classic as an opportunity to inspire other runners, especially young ones.
“When I look into the crowd and see young athletes watching, I'm reminded that my race can plant faith in someone's heart,” he said. “That responsibility pushes me to give my best, because representation matters and example speaks louder than words.”
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Additional information by World Athletics