ELDORET, Kenya, February 22, 2025 – Reynold Cheruiyot put out all the stops to emerge victorious in the men’s 2km loop at the Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret on Saturday afternoon.
Amid sun and dust, the 2022 world under 20 1500m champion stopped the timer at 06:01 to take top prize, ahead of youngster Phanuel Koech, who came in second after running 06:02.
Frankline Kimutai took the final podium place after clocking 06:04.
Speaking after the race, Cheruiyot said the win is the product of hard work in training.
“My responding well to training. So far I am happy. From here I will do one weekend meet and then focus on Kipkeino Classic,” the youngster said.
Cheruiyot won the last edition of the Kip Keino Classic, clocking 3:31.96 in the men’s 1500m.
Saturday’s victory comes almost two weeks after he timed 6:16 to finish second in the men’s 2km loop at the National Cross Country Championships at the Eldoret Sports Club.
At the same time, Koech, who represented Kenya at last year’s World Under 20 Championships in Lima, Peru, is praying for good fortunes in the new season.
“My training is going on well I will compete 800m this year then move to 1,500m,” Koech said.
The 18-year-old clocked 1:47.46 to finish fifth at the global competition in the Peruvian capital.
