Ng’etich, Ebenyo set to headline fifth edition of Sirikwa Classic Cross Country

World Cross Country champion Agnes Ng’etich and 2023 World 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo will headline the fifth edition of the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour set for 14 February at Lobo Village in Eldoret.

The two stars will line up fresh from impressive performances at the World Cross Country Championships held in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday,10 January.

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Ebenyo claimed bronze in Florida after clocking 28:45, finishing behind Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo (28:18) and Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi (28:36).

Ng’etich, meanwhile, secured her maiden global title after stopping the clock at 31:28 to edge Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek (32:10) and Ethiopia’s Senayet Getachew (32:13).

Speaking during the launch of this year’s edition at Lobo Village, Ebenyo confirmed his participation and expressed his excitement about returning to the prestigious race.

“I am happy to announce that I will be competing in the 2026 edition of the Sirikwa Classic,” Ebenyo said.

The 30-year-old returns to familiar territory as he chases a historic hat-trick of titles, having dominated the previous two editions. In 2024, Ebenyo powered to victory in 29:16 ahead of Ishmael Kipkurui (29:18) and Weldon Langat (29:26). He followed that up with another commanding performance last year, winning in 29:57 ahead of Gideon Rono (30:07) and Nicholas Kipkorir (30:15).

“I look forward to lining up against strong athletes from both Kenya and foreign countries,” he added.

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Ebenyo credited the Sirikwa Classic for playing a pivotal role in shaping his career.

“Winning the Sirikwa Classic in the past two editions has been a great achievement. It challenged me and prepared me for greater success. It was the Sirikwa Classic that prepared me for the World Cross Country where I won bronze,” he said.

Ng’etich will also be returning to defend the title she won last year in 32:42, ahead of Janeth Chepng’etich (33:52) and Miriam Chebet (34:09).

This year’s Sirikwa Classic will feature four main categories: kids’ races for ages 5–8, 9–12 and 13–15 for both boys and girls, the Under-20 race, a 2km loop race, and the elite 10km races for men and women.

Race director Barnaba Korir confirmed that participation in the elite and Under-20 races will be strictly by invitation, while kids’ athletics will be through registration.

Korir, who also serves as the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) first vice president, highlighted the lucrative prize money on offer.

“We have very good prize money for our winners. I think we are the second race in Kenya that offers this kind of prize money, apart from the Great Chepsaita race,” he noted.

Winners of the senior elite races will pocket Ksh774,102 ($6,000), while Under-20 champions will earn Ksh161,271 ($1,250). Winners of the 2km loop race will take home Ksh258,034 ($2,000).

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The event has received a major boost from title sponsors Absa, who have injected Ksh8 million into the competition. Korir expressed gratitude to all partners supporting the event.

“We appreciate our sponsors, especially Absa Bank, for their continued support. We also thank the Ministry of Sports and Athletics Kenya for helping us deliver a world-class event,” he said.

Athletics Kenya director of competitions Kennedy Tanui confirmed that all requirements have been met to host a Gold Label event on the World Athletics calendar.

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“All requirements from World Athletics, including certification standards, have been met to host a Gold Label event,” Tanui said.

Technical director Ibrahim Hussein added that the course remains unchanged from last year.

“The course is unchanged. We will start from the same starting point as last year,” he confirmed.