Ebenyo, Ng’etich set to light up Sirikwa Classic after Florida heroics

World Cross Country medallists Daniel Ebenyo and Agnes Ng’etich will headline the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour at the Lobo Village in Kapseret, on February 14.

Ng’etich won the women’s race in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 10 for her maiden global title, clocking 31:28 ahead of Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek (32:10) and Ethiopian Senayet Getachew (32:13).

Meanwhile, Ebenyo secured bronze (28:45) behind Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo (28:18) and Ethiopian Berihu Aregawi (28:36).

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Ebenyo returns to familiar territory at the Sirikwa Classic, chasing a historic hat-trick of titles, having dominated the previous two editions.

In 2024, he powered to victory in 29:16, edging Ishmael Kipkurui (29:18) and Weldon Langat (29:26).

He followed that up last year with another authoritative display, stopping the clock in 29:57 ahead of Gideon Rono (30:07) and Nicholas Kipkorir (30:15).

Speaking during the Sirikwa Classic launch on Tuesday, Ebenyo said, “I am happy to announce I will be competing in the 2026 edition and I look forward to lining up against strong athletes from both Kenya and foreign nations.”

He highlighted the impact the Sirikwa Classic has played in his growth.

“Winning the Sirikwa Classic for the past two editions has been a great achievement in my career. It challenged me, strengthened me and prepared me for greater success,” he said.

Ng’etich was equally impressive in last year’s women’s contest, clinching the title in 32:42 as she led Janeth Chepng’etich (33:52) and Miriam Chebet (34:09) home.

“This race gives a chance and platform to the younger generation to build themselves,” Ng’etich said.

This year’s Sirikwa Classic will feature four main categories: kids’ races for ages 5–8, 9–12 and 13–15 for both boys and girls, the Under-20 race, a 2km race and the elite 10km races for men and women.

Participation will be strictly by invitation as confirmed by the race director and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) first vice president Barnaba Korir.

“Participation in the elite and Under-20 races will be by invitation, and for the kids’ athletics, that will be by registration,” Korir said.

The race has received a significant boost from title sponsors Absa Bank, who have injected Sh8 million.

Absa Bank Kenya’s Head of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Charles Wokabi, said: “Through sport, we are able to unlock human potential, inspire communities, and create pathways for young athletes to turn talent into sustainable careers, while showcasing Kenya’s rich athletics heritage to the world.”

“This is why we are committed to ensuring that our seven-year partnership with Athletics Kenya remains strong to deepen talent development by enhancing the quality and competitiveness of our local meets and creating sustainable platforms like the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country that create growth pathways into the global stage for our athletes,” he added.

Korir observed, “We express our gratitude to our sponsors, especially Absa Bank, for their continued support.”

“We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and Athletics Kenya for helping us ensure our athletes run in a world-class event.”

Athletics Kenya director of competitions, Kennedy Tanui, said all requirements have been met to host a successful World Athletics Gold Label contest.

“All requirements from World Athletics have been met, as well as all certification requirements from the global body, to host a Gold Label event,” Tanui said.

“I want to welcome everybody on the 14th for the fifth edition of the Sirikwa Classic.”

The course remains unchanged as confirmed by the technical director, Ibrahim Hussein.

Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei noted that the Sirikwa Classic could not have come at a better time... on the back of Kenya’s dominant showing in Florida.

“We had a great achievement in America. Our performance there shows our athletes are working hard,” Tuwei said.

In Tallahassee, Kenya topped the medal standings with nine medals (three gold, four silver and two bronze).

Despite the event falling outside the traditional cross country season, Tuwei emphasised that the Sirikwa Classic will provide an ideal springboard for the upcoming track campaign.

“Normally, we have the Sirikwa Classic, then we go for the World Cross Country Championships, so it serves as a build-up,” he said. “But now we have the Sirikwa after the World Cross, so athletes can use the race to build up for the track season.”