Stellar cast set for Sirikwa Classic on Saturday

This year’s Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret will see the return of double world record holder Faith Kipyegon who will be competing in the senior women’s 10km race. 

The two-time Olympics champion is among hundreds of athletes who have been invited by the local organizing committee (LOC) and will once again face off with familiar foes as in last year’s edition. 

World Cross Country champion—and Commonwealth Games champion— Beatrice Chebet headlines elite athletes who are expected to give Kipyegon a run for her money on Saturday at Lobo village. 

The two last ran against each other at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in July last year where Kipyegon clinched the world 5000m title whereas Chebet came third. 

Other elite athletes who will be in contention for the top prize in the senior women’s race are Commonwealth Games 3000m steeplechase champion Jackline Chepkoech, world 3000m steeplechase bronze medalist Faith Cherotich, former world half marathon record holder Joyceline Jepkosgei and the 2021 world Under 20 1500m champion Purity Chepkirui. The senior men’s race will be equally a titanic battle among seasoned athletes. 

Two-time world 3000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto, World Cross Country junior champion Ishmael Kipkurui, world half marathon champion Sabastian Sawe, world 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu, and the 2019 World 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot will all be battling for one of the podium places. 

Overall, 151 athletes have been penned in to compete in the senior women’s race compared to 207 for the male counterparts.  In the junior categories, 114 athletes have been invited for the men’s Under 20 8km race whereas 111 more will be in action in the women’s division. 

Athletes can confirm their registration by contacting their representative, Milkah Chemos, through her phone number (0720127940).

Athletics Kenya

Media and Communications

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