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Faith Kipyegon out to recapture Sirikwa Classic title

FaithKipyegon
Faith Kipyegon

By  Bernard Rotich  &  Ayumba Ayodi

What you need to know:

  • However, Korir said that it won’t be a smooth ride for Kipyegon, who will be opening her season at Lobo as she will be up against a star-studded field that includes the 10km road world record holder Agnes Jebet Ng’etich.
  • “We would like to express our gratitude to the government and our title sponsor, ABSA, for their support that has made this happen,” said Korir, who encouraged spectators to troop in numbers at Lobo to witness this thrilling showcase of athletic excellence.

Three-time Olympic 1,500 metres champion Faith Kipyegon will be out to recapture the ABSA Sirikwa Classic World Athletics Cross Country title on Saturday at Lobo Village, Uasin Gishu county.

Kipyegon returns to the course where she won the title in 2023 on her way to winning the world 5,000m title and setting three world records in 1,500m, One Mile, and 5,000m the same year.

The Gold Label Tour director, Barnaba Korir, said that Kipyegon’s entry promises to make it an exhilarating event, with top-tier athletes showcasing their talents with over 14 nations participating.

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"We are excited to announce that Faith Kipyegon will be competing as she starts her season and we are glad that she's back after missing last year's edition. Kipyegon competed in 2023 and won the race and she went ahead to break three world records and this must have inspired her to compete in the global event once again," said Korir.

However, Korir said that it won’t be a smooth ride for Kipyegon, who will be opening her season at Lobo as she will be up against a star-studded field that includes the 10km road world record holder Agnes Jebet Ng’etich.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the government and our title sponsor, ABSA, for their support that has made this happen,” said Korir, who encouraged spectators to troop in numbers at Lobo to witness this thrilling showcase of athletic excellence.

Kipyegon will be hoping to start the year on a good note with victory in Lobo in a year that will see the World Athletics Championships being held from September 13 to 25 in Tokyo, Japan.

Also heading to Lobo are the 2022 World 5,000m silver medallist, Jacob Krop, and the 2022 World 10,000m silver medallist, Stanley Waithaka, who will both be starting their international season.

The competition will also feature strong contenders from Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and several European nations, ensuring a truly international field.

Local Organizing Committee Chairman Abraham Mutai confirmed that preparations for the highly anticipated event are 80 per cent complete, with expectations of intense competition and the discovery of new talent.

“The world event has been brought closer home, and I urge fans to turn up in large numbers because there will be plenty of entertainment from local musicians ahead of the various races. Come and watch the world’s best athletes compete live on race day,” said Mutai.

Meanwhile, Competitions Director Kennedy Tanui assured that everything is set for the race, which has attracted over 1,000 elite athletes. The event will feature the 6km junior women’s race, 8km junior men’s race, mixed relay, and the 10km senior men’s and women’s races.