Cynthia Chepkirui will be aiming to retain her U20 women's title/HANDOUT 

Defending champion Kevin Kiprop and newly crowned World U20 Champion Frankline Kibet will renew their rivalry on Saturday at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country in Lobo Village, Uasin Gishu County.

Last year, Kiprop claimed the title in a closely contested race, finishing in 24:24 with Kibet settling for second. Festus Kimorwo rounded out the podium in a photo finish with Kibet. Also in the field this year are Kimorwo and world silver medallist Kiprono, adding depth to an already competitive lineup.
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Kibet, 18, won his maiden global title at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 10, clocking 23:18 to take the U20 crown while leading Kenya to a dominant top-four sweep.
Kiprono took silver in 23:20, Andrew Alamisi finished third in 23:28, and Andrew Kiptoo narrowly missed out in fourth with 23:42.
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At last year’s National Cross-Country Championships in Eldoret, Kibet placed second in 24:25, just behind Kiprono (24:22), while Kiprop came fifth in 24:26. Kiprop remains a formidable competitor, having claimed the 2024 Great Chepsaita Cross Country U20 title in 24:37 ahead of Alamisi (24:54) and Edwin Sanutia (25:26).
In the women’s junior category, national U20 champion Cynthia Chepkirui is aiming to defend her Sirikwa title.
The Lemotiti Training Camp athlete finished fourth at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee.
“My body is responding well in training. Since the last edition, I have improved on my speedwork,” Chepkirui said. She added that Sirikwa is key in shaping her season. “The Sirikwa race is good for me. It helps to jumpstart my season and prepare for other competitions.”
Last year, Chepkirui won the Sirikwa race in 20:37, edging Joyline Chepkemoi (20:40) and Diana Chepkemoi (20:50).
She carried her form to the National Championships in Eldoret, winning the U20 race in 20:38, ahead of Miriam Kibet (20:49) and Lonah Cherono (21:00), earning her a place on Team Kenya for the World Championships.
On Saturday, Chepkirui will face familiar rivals, including Miriam Kibet and reigning African School Games 3,000m champion Lonah Cherono, as well as last year’s Sirikwa podium finishers Joyline and Diana Chepkemoi.