ELDORET, Kenya, February 22, 2025 – Youngster Cynthia Chepkurui won the Under 20 women’s 6km at the Absa Sirikwa Classic at the Lobo Village in Eldoret to earn her second victory in two months.
Chepkurui clocked 20:37 to cut the tape, ahead of Joyline Chepkemoi (20:40) and Diana Chepkemoi (20:50) who finished second and third respectively.
The 16-year-old says she is proud of the progress she has made after a series of disappointments last year.
“I started the season out of podium and in machakos I was 9th and started finishing at the podium at Bomet where I finished third. I later won the national title and Discovery my focus is to qualify for the Africa Championships in the 5,000m,” the Form Two student at Kalyet Secondary School, said.
Chepkurui’s first podium finish came in December at the fourth leg of the Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series in Bomet.
She followed it up with victory in the Under 20 women’s 6km where she clocked 21:17 to take top honour.
The youngster also competed at the Discovery Kenya Cross Country Championships where she emerged victorious.
Speaking at the same time, Joyline says Saturday’s performance has given her new energy to continue pursuing a ticket to the World Championships in Tokyo – specifically in the 1500m and 3000m.
“I will focus on qualifying for the Africa Championships in the 1,500m and 5,000m. It’s going to be tricky season for me because I’m a form four candidate,” she said.
