Agnes Ngetich wins at the Sirikwa Cross Country Classic
World cross-country champion Agnes Ngetich and bronze medallist Daniel Ebenyo will defend their titles when the Sirikwa Classic returns as the final World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting of the season at the Lobo Village in Eldoret on Saturday (14).
The event comes one month after the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee and falls on Valentine’s Day – a perfect backdrop for a celebration of athletics excellence. What a day for fans in Kenya to turn out in large numbers to watch and celebrate their stars who put their nation on top of the medal table in Florida.
“I’m very excited,” said Ngetich. “This is home and defending my title here in Eldoret is something I really want to do. The atmosphere is always special at Sirikwa.
“I’ve stayed healthy and training has been good. My coach and I have been working consistently and I feel strong.”
The race is set to offer a rematch between the top two in Tallahassee, with Uganda’s silver medallist Joy Cheptoyek also expected to take part in the 10km contest.
Kenyan trials winner Maurine Chebor, who placed eighth at the World Cross Country Championships, will be another contender to watch, as will Mariam Lufti Njoki, who won another major cross-country race in Eldoret recently.
They will be joined by Caren Chebet, who featured alongside Ngetich and Chebor on Kenya’s team silver medal-winning squad in Tallahassee, plus Kenya’s Catherine Reline, Uganda’s African 3000m steeplechase gold medallist Loice Chekwemoi and her compatriot Martha Chemutai, who also raced in Tallahassee.
Still revelling in her world champion status, Ngetich recognises that with triumph comes responsibility and she's eager to embrace it in Eldoret.
“Being a world champion is the result of years of dedication and commitment. It's what I've been training for, and I'm proud to have achieved it,” said the world 10km record-holder. “Of course, there's responsibility that comes with it, but I don't see it as pressure – I see it as motivation. I want to keep performing well, but I'm taking each race as it comes and focusing on myself.
“Running at home gives me the opportunity to race physically in front of my community – the people here in Kenya. It's a privilege because many people cannot travel outside the country to watch these races, so bringing world-class competition here means a lot.”
The men’s 10km race promises fierce competition, headlined by Ebenyo – the two-time defending champion and world cross-country bronze medallist. He will go up against John Korir, champion in both the Boston and Chicago marathons.
“My race plan for Saturday is built on faith, courage and championship mentality,” said Ebenyo, who hopes to become the first athlete to complete a hat-trick at the Sirikwa Classic. “I am not just showing up to compete – I am showing up to contend, to fight and to finish strong.”
Cross-country is often where marathon runners meet with track stars, and Korir will be there to settle some scores with Ebenyo. The two athletes have clashed twice at the Chicago Marathon: Korir won in 2024 when Ebenyo was fifth, then Ebenyo finished 13th last year when Korir failed to finish.
“I am so excited to run the Sirikwa Classic with a home crowd cheering me,” said Korir. “My race plan is to win in front of the home crowd and the fans who usually watch me on TV, and to give them the chance to watch me live.”
After the Sirikwa Classic, Korir will go back to the Boston Marathon to defend his title in April.
Robert Kiprop joined Ebenyo on the Kenyan team in Tallahassee. He finished seventh at the Sirikwa Classic in 2024 and fifth last year, and he also returns along with Germany’s Hendrik Pfeiffer, George Manangoi, Emmanuel Kipsang, Brian Kipsang and Enos Chebet.
As well as seeking another win, Ebenyo sees the Sirikwa Classic as an opportunity to inspire other runners, especially young ones.
“When I look into the crowd and see young athletes watching, I'm reminded that my race can plant faith in someone's heart,” he said. “That responsibility pushes me to give my best, because representation matters and example speaks louder than words.”
As well as the elite senior races, the meeting will feature an 8km U20 men’s race and a 6km U20 women’s race as well as a 2km loop event.
Justin Lagat for World Athletics
