Road to Kenya hosting Diamond League starts with Sirikwa World Cross Country Tour
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 25.01.25. | 21:33
The World Athletics gold label event is slated for Saturday 22 January at the Lobo Village in Eldoret
Organizers of the third edition of the Sirikwa World Cross Country Tour Gold are optimistic that hosting a successful event will earn them the right to host a maiden Diamond League leg in Kenya.
The World Athletics gold label event is slated for Saturday 22 January at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.
Speaking during a site visit to the course, Athletics Kenya (AK) Executive Member and Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir who doubles up as the race’s CEO was pleased with the progress made. With less than a month to go to the event, Korir assured that everything would be ready.
While they aim at a successful edition, Korir also expressed Kenya’s willingness to host a leg of the prestigious Diamond League. His confidence stemmed from the World Athletics events that Kenya has hosted in the past.
Kenya hosted four eminent legs of the Kipkeino Classic and two editions of the Chepsaita Cross Country. The latter was recently upgraded from a silver to a gold label, showcasing Kenya’s ability to host a world-class event. The fifth edition of the Kipkeino Classic is slated for Saturday 31 May in Nairobi.
“Last year, it was big with many spectators and we are looking ahead to another big event. Athletics Kenya needs to host big events like Chepsaita and Sirikwa cross country as well as the KipKeino Classic that enters the 5th year.
We hope that the World Athletics can give us Diamond League and probably the World Athletics Championships,” Korir said.
Korir further noted that the federation has built a strong reputation, and are committed to ensuring athletics remains active to foster the economic growth of talents in the country.
He went on to note that, due to the event's growing fame, they expect an increased number of athletes and spectators this year.
“We had many foreign athletes and Kenya’s top runners are expected to compete. We want to have a very big race that will also have the kids, seniors, and the relays,” he averred.
Race Director Kennedy Tanui echoed his sentiments, confirming that over 100,000 spectators were expected from the country and beyond.
Tanui also assured that this year’s course will be friendly as compared to the previous years.
“We have confirmed foreign and international athletes who will compete here next month. Given the few directions we took last year, there are a few areas that need to be altered, but we shall have a friendly course.
The obstacles will be maintained with a few changes to conform with World Athletics standards,” Tanui said.
In the 2024 edition, promising star Daniel Simiu carried the day in 29:16 while Immaculate Anyango braved the high temperatures to cross the line in 32:55. She finished ahead of Joycelline Jepkosgei (33:10) and Catherine Reline (33:18).
Sadly, Anyango was recently banned for six years after failing a doping test for testosterone and the blood-boosting hormone EPO. Simiu went ahead to have a glamorous season that capped in a fifth-place finish in his marathon debut in Chicago.
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