Champions return
Building on her dominant performances in the previous edition of the Sirikwa Classic event and her remarkable victory at the World Cross Country Championships, Agnes Ngetich arrives at the 5th edition of the Sirikwa Classic poised for celebration. The newly crowned world champion is expected to shine at this World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold label event, set for Saturday, February 14th—a day already synonymous with roses, chocolates, and triumph.
The men’s race promises fierce competition, headlined by Daniel Ebenyo—the two-time defending champion and Tallahassee bronze medalist. Adding to the excitement, marathon standout John Korir, champion in both Boston and Chicago, will be another major contender in the senior men’s 10 km event.
As if scripted by destiny, this year’s World Cross Country Championships unfolded just ahead of the Sirikwa Classic, which serendipitously falls on Valentine’s Day—a perfect backdrop for a celebration of athletic excellence.
What a day for Kenyan fans to turn out in large numbers, while love is in the air, to watch and celebrate their stars who just put their nation on top of the world at the World Cross Country Championships last month, on 10th January, in Florida.
According to Kennedy Tanui, the event’s competition director, most of the runners who represented Kenya in Tallahassee will compete on Saturday.
“I’m very excited. Here is home, and defending my title here in Eldoret is something I really want to do. The atmosphere is always special at Sirikwa,” Ngetich, who will be defending her title, said, adding that her preparations have been going well. “I’ve stayed healthy, and training has been good. My coach and I have been working consistently, and I feel strong.”
Still revelling in her world champion status, Ngetich recognises that with triumph comes responsibility—and she’s eager to embrace both on her first outing at Lobo Village.
“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. 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,” the holder of two world records over the 10 km distance said.
“I want to run my own race and execute what we’ve prepared with my coach. I want to give my best effort in front of the home crowd. It’s an honour to race here in Kenya as a world cross country champion.
“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. When I race abroad I’m representing Kenya, which is a great honour, but at home, I feel that direct connection with my fellow countrymen and women,” Ngetich said.
Ebenyo, who is also returning to defend his title and hopes to be the first man or woman to achieve a three-peat at the Sirikwa Classic, is ready to run his race, as usual.
“My race plan for Saturday is built on faith, courage, and championship mentality. I respect every competitor, but I fear none. I trust the work done in silence, the training unseen by cameras, and the strength that comes from God. I will run boldly, wisely, and with purpose. I am not just showing up to compete — I am showing up to contend, to fight, and to finish strong. I believe champions are made first in the spirit, then in the mind, and finally on the course,” Ebenyo said.
The 10,000m World Silver medalist from Budapest 23 sees every opportunity he gets to run on home soil differently from when he runs abroad. He sees it as an opportunity to inspire other runners, especially the 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. That responsibility pushes me to give my best, because representation matters and example speaks louder than words,” said Ebenyo.
As the best-placed Kenyan at the World Cross Country Championships, Ebenyo knows that the upcoming runners will look up to him and learn from the patience and discipline he brings to his training.
“Every step I took there (in Tallahassee) carried prayers from home, early mornings of discipline, tears of sacrifice, and moments when only faith kept me going. Competing against the best in the world strengthened my spirit and reminded me that when God opens a door, no human can close it. Tallahassee taught me that greatness is not just about speed, but about obedience, perseverance, and trusting God’s timing,” 30-year-old Ebenyo shared his experience at the World Cross Country Championships, where he won the bronze medal.
The cross-country event is often where marathon runners meet with track stars, and John Korir, the 2024 Chicago and 2025 Boston Marathon champion, will be there to settle some scores with Ebenyo. The two have clashed twice at the Chicago Marathon: Korir won in 2024, and Ebenyo was fifth; then again last year, when Ebenyo finished 13th, and Korir failed to finish.
“I am so excited to run the Sirikwa Classic with a home crowd cheering me. 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. Running Sirikwa and running abroad are two different things,” Korir said.
After the Sirikwa Classic, Korir will be going back to the Boston Marathon to defend his title in April.
The elite categories will be 10Km Senior Men and Women, 8Km Under-20 Men, 6Km Under-20 Women, and 2Km Loop Men and Women.
The majority of foreign runners expected to run are from neighbouring Uganda, with the second-placed at the Tallahassee senior women’s race, Joy Cheptoyek, expected to take part.
Having recently changed her citizenship to represent Qatar, Maryam Lufti Njoki, who won another major cross-country race in Eldoret recently, will get a chance to gauge where she would have placed had she gone to the world cross-country championships.
The winner of the Kenyan trials, Maureen Chebor, will be the other big contender to watch in the women’s senior race. Other women to watch out for include Maxmilla Lusweti, Catherine Reline, Lucy Chelele, Caren Chebet, and Miriam Maiyo.
Robert Kiprop, who was seventh-placed in the 3rd edition and fifth last year, will be among the men to watch out for in the senior men’s race, together with Emmanuel Kipsang, Brian Kipsang, George Manangoi, Peter Ndungu and Enos Chebet, among others.
To meet the gold label status, the event needs to have runners from over five nations, and so far, the number already exceeds that, according to the organisers.
“Elite runners from 14 countries have confirmed their participation,” said the competition director, Kennedy Tanui.
“Last year, we had around 40 foreign runners. We have about 80 this year. We have some of the elite runners who participated at the World Cross Country Championships from Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Ukraine and other parts of the world already confirming their participation,” Banaba Korir, the director of the event, said.
Some of the foreigners in the men’s senior race include Hendrik Pfeiffer of Germany, Mykola Nyzhnyk of Ukraine, Tshepo Mphulanyane of South Africa and Leonard Ndiema of Uganda. Other foreign women in the 10km senior race include Scarlet Chemutai, Martha Chemutai and Loice Chekwemoi from Uganda, Valeria Daghau from Tanzania and Monica Zanele from South Africa.
“Each finisher in the elite categories will receive a flower at the finish line,” Tanui mentioned, highlighting one of the special touches intended to make the day unforgettable.
Notes from the 2026 Sirikwa Classic Pre-Event Press Conference
At the pre-event press conference for the Sirikwa Classic, several key speakers shared their perspectives and hopes for the event
Barnaba Korir (Meeting CEO) emphasised the growing success of the event, stating, “We are happy that this event is getting better and better each year.” Reflecting on the importance of supporting athletes, Korir added, “We need to create our own systems for athletes to earn a living, here in Kenya too. We also ensure that athletes in Kenya receive good prize money. We want these systems not just in Kenya, but also in the Eastern African region.”
Ibrahim Hussein (Technical Director) highlighted the unique nature of cross country running, saying, “No cross country is the same. Challenges and creativity are allowed, but in consideration of athlete safety. We have altitude as part of the Challenge in Sirikwa.” Hussein also discussed course features and safety improvements: “There will be a water shower. Hay stacks… We want the athletes to remain injury free. We took feedback from the first edition and removed the mud area. We removed the steeplechase area again after the second edition, for safety reasons.” Looking ahead, he announced, “We are now bidding for the 2029 World Championships.”
Patrick Sang (Renowned Coach) spoke about the significance of cross country as a foundation for athletes: “Historically, before the cross country event, the steeplechase was a buildup event that enabled many athletes to stay in the sport for a long time. Agnes and Ebenyo here are examples of athletes who are being shaped by cross-country.”
Chemos added a light-hearted note: “We expect all men to bring flowers!”
Kennedy Tanui (Competition Director) provided logistical updates: “Everything is in place from security and medical preparedness. Starting at 9 AM we have close to 3,000 kids taking part in these races. The quartet that took the first top 4 positions in Tallahassee will be there. All the elite racers will get roses at the finish line.”
Among the athletes who spoke at the press conference were Ebenyo, Ngetich and Cheptoyek.
Ebenyo expressed gratitude and inspiration, noting, “I am the only one with the name Daniel Ebenyo in the world. Thanks to the organisers for inviting me to this event. I am coming here as a letter to be read by the young athletes in the future. Running is my career and is in my blood. I just do what I feel is good.”
Ngetich shared her mindset: “No pressure. The race is always tough. I am focusing on myself.” On her preparation, she explained, “The World Cross Country Championships was part of the opening of the season for me. So, my break was from December last year.”
Cheptoyek reflected on the competition: “Competing with Agnes is good to gain experience. I can’t promise a position, but I’ll run my best.”
The Sirikwa Classic pre-event press conference reflected a spirit of anticipation and unity among organisers, coaches, and athletes. With thoughtful preparations, renewed safety measures, and a focus on athlete support, the event promises not only top-level competition but also inspiration for the next generation.
The voices and ambitions shared by the speakers underscore the Sirikwa Classic’s growing importance on the global World Cross Country calendar and its special place in the hearts of Kenyan fans and competitors.