Agnes Ngetich wins at the Sirikwa Classic (© Organisers)
Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich and Benson Korir claimed convincing victories at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country – a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting – in Eldoret on Saturday (8).
Fresh from her title-winning performance at the World Cross Country Championships, Ngetich dominated the women’s race from the early stages to secure a decisive victory, while Korir produced a strong late surge to win a closely contested men’s race.
Ngetich had said at the pre-event press conference at the World Cross was just the beginning of her season, and here – in front of her home fans – she produced an even more dominant display than her one in Tallahassee, winning by one minute and 14 seconds.
Ngetich moved straight to the front from the opening bend and was followed only by world cross-country silver medallist Joy Cheptoyek through the first kilometre. By the end of the first lap of the 2km loop, Ngetich already held a 12-second lead, while Faith Cherono and Daisilah Cherono had moved ahead of Cheptoyek. Her advantage had grown to 35 seconds by 4km, with Mercy Chepkemoi moving into second place.
As Agnes Ngetich continued to extend her lead, Catherine Reline worked her way into third by the 6km mark. The order remained unchanged through the closing stages, Ngetich crossing the finish line in 32:28. Chepkemoi finished second in 33:42, ahead of Reline (33:51) and Cheptoyek (34:07).
“It’s just like last time,” said Ngetich. “The climate was the same, and I loved the atmosphere. Everyone was cheering me on and it gave me motivation. I wasn’t feeling lonely because the fans were everywhere.
“About the World Cross Country Championships, I had waited for that medal for a long time and I appreciate it a lot. Cross country is something I’ve loved since I was young.”
The men’s race was competitive from the start, with a large lead group remaining together through the early stages. At one point, Daniel Ebenyo and Korir shared a water bottle while running side by side.
Eight athletes were still together at 6km, but as they approached 8km, Korir launched a decisive surge. The field stretched into single file as he pulled clear.
Korir crossed the finish line in 29:44, raising his arms in celebration. Amos Kiprotich and Silas Senchura followed in 29:46, finishing second and third respectively. Defending champion Ebenyo faded on the final lap to place fifth in 29:57.
“I’m feeling good and I came here to see how my shape is,” said Korir. “My target is the Boston Marathon, and this race helped me see how my body would respond. This is my first cross-country race and I’m happy to win.”
Conditions in Eldoret were warm and sunny, typical for February, with large crowds lining the course throughout the day. A light breeze occasionally provided some relief from the heat, while cloud cover arrived only during the final lap of the senior men’s race.
Naomi Korir won the senior women’s 2km race in 6:42 after catching the leaders in the final kilometre. World 1500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot successfully defended his title in the men’s 2km race, winning in 5:52 ahead of Munguti Kyumbe (5:53), Timothy Cheruiyot (5:54) and Emmanuel Wanyonyi (5:55).
Justin Lagat for World Athletics
