Sirikwa Classic: Youngsters Wanyonyi, Chepkirui impress in 2km mixed relay race

2021 World Under 20 1500m champion Purity Chepkirui bounced back from a nagging injury to claim the top spot in the 2km mixed relay race category Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour gold held on Saturday, 3 February at Lobo Village in Eldoret.

The youngster was in a class of her own, outclassing strong opponents to clock 6:29.6 in the closely contested race.

She came in ahead of Miriam Cherop and Evalyne Chepkoech, who claimed second and third place in 6:39.3 and 6:47.1 respectively.

Chepkirui ran her first race in July 2021 when she upset a star-studded field to win the women’s 1500m at the World Under 20 Pre-Trial Championships at Nyayo Stadium.

She was one of the first products of Athletics Kenya (AK) holiday athletics training camps in 2020/21, which were meant to select competitors for the World Under 20 Championships that were held on home soil.

Speaking after the win, the breathless Chepkirui was glad that the injury was behind her and noted that she was aiming at transiting to the senior category.

"I had an injury but I'm happy that I have fully recovered. Today I was testing myself as I start my season and transit to the senior category," she told Mozzart Sport.

Japan-based Cherop said that she was using the competition as a springboard ahead of the All-African Games and the Olympics.

Chepkoech, who completed the podium, was thrilled with her outstanding performance, noting that she had not seen it coming.

She pointed out that she would shift focus on preparing for the 800m race.

"I started my journey today at 2 am to arrive in time for the 2km race. I did not expect to run this well and finish third," she averred.

In the men's category, reigning World 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi opened his 2024 season in style, dominating the men's 2km relay race.

Wanyonyi led from gun to tape, cutting the tape in 5:41.20 ahead of Victor Kipkirui and Edwin Kiprono who clocked respective times of 5:42.10 and 5:45.90.

The former World Under-20 800m champion in a post-race interview emphasized the importance of opening his season with cross-country.

He noted that cross-country races ensure that athletes have a great start to the season and it is a great build-up for the same.

"I am happy with my performance. I'm yet to know which race I will start with," he offered.

For Kipkirui, the condition of the course was great to build his endurance level.

He noted that he was keen to extend the fine run into the year.

"It was not easy but I like how fast the course was," he said.

Podium finisher Kiprono noted that his impressive performance will motivate him to achieve more in the future.

"I have never finished among the top three. I am motivated by today's performance. It tells me I can do better in the 800m," he said.

The Under 20 men and women category will serve as the curtain raiser for the senior category.

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2km mixed relay collated results

2km women

Purity Chepkirui 6:29.6

Miriam Cherop 6:39.3

Evaline Chepkoech 6:47.1

Winfred Mbithe 6:48.8

Millicent Kemboi 6:52.1

2km men

Emmanuel Wanyonyi 5:41.2

Victor Kipkirui 5:42.1

Edwin Kiprono 5:45.9

Abel Kipsang 5:47.4

Newton Kipkirui 5:48.0