World champion Reynold Cheruiyot bags Sirikwa Classic title

Reigning World U20 1500m champion Reynold Cheruiyot had to toil before producing a strong finish to claim victory at the fourth edition of the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Championships.

The championships which is a World Athletics Gold Tour series event, was held on Saturday 22 February at Lobo Village, Kapseret in Uasin Gishu County.

Sensing danger in the final stretch, Cheruiyot summoned his energy and unleashed a powerful finishing kick in the last 200 meters, leaving Cornelius Kemboi, Amos Cheminingwa, and Amason Sampao struggling to keep up.

The 20-year-old, an 800m specialist, stayed behind Cheminingwa and Kemboi in the leading pack for the first kilometre before making his move.

The highly competitive race saw several lead changes, making it difficult to predict the winner as the athletes jostled for position in the final stretch.

With 100 meters remaining, Cheruiyot stepped on the gas and sprinted away, leaving his competitors trailing as he cruised to victory under the Rift Valley sun.

He crossed the finish line in 6:01, securing a hard-earned win ahead of Phanuel Kipkosgei (6:02) and Frankline Kimutai (6:04), who finished second and third, respectively.

Unable to keep up with the pace, Sampao and Victor Kipkirui settled for fourth and fifth, clocking 6:05 and 6:06, respectively.

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Chepkirui Triumphs in Women’s 2km Race

The women’s 2km loop race started at a fast pace, with five athletes taking control from the gun.

Peris Chebor led the pack at the start, closely followed by African 800m silver medalist Lilian Odira, former World U20 1500m champion Purity Chepkirui, Jackline Cherono, Iten 2km Loop champion Naomi Korir, Faith Chebet, and Daisilah Jerono Bor.

The group remained together until the 1.5km mark when Bor surged forward, followed closely by Cherono, Odira, and Chebet, while Korir and Bor began to fade.

The race was decided in the last 200 meters. Cherono briefly took the lead, but Chepkirui and Odira responded with a powerful sprint that left their rivals unable to react.

Chepkirui crossed the finish line first in 6:46, with Odira snatching second place in 6:47. Cherono finished third in 6:48.

“I thank God for the win, though the wind made the race tough,” said Chepkirui, who trains in Kiloa, Nakuru County.

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Chebet and Korir completed the top five, both clocking 6:49.

Leading Results

Men’s 2km Race

1. Reynold Cheruiyot – 6:01
2. Phanuel Kipkosgei – 6:02
3. Frankline Kimutai – 6:04
4. Amason Sampao – 6:05
5. Victor Kipkirui – 6:06

Women’s 2km Race

1. Purity Chepkirui – 6:46
2. Lilian Odira – 6:47
3. Jackline Cherono – 6:48
4. Faith Chebet – 6:49
5. Daisilah Jerono Bor – 6:54