World recorld holder Jebet headlines strong field for Sirikwa Classic

Women’s 10km world record holder Agnes Jebet Ng’etich will lead a formidable lineup at the 4th edition of the Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Gold Tour, set to take place on February 22 in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

The event, which serves as the final Gold Tour race on the World Athletics calendar, is expected to attract top-tier athletes aiming to close the season on a high note.

Ng’etich, the second-fastest woman in half marathon history, is making her first cross-country appearance this season as she shifts focus to her track campaign, targeting the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. She plans to compete in both the 5,000m and 10,000m races.

“I have prepared well for the race happening next weekend, and I’m using it to gauge my fitness. This year is packed with events, but my main target is the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where I will be doubling in the **10,000m and 5,000m races,” said Ng’etich.

The Iten-based athlete has also signed up for the Grand Slam Track events, where she will compete in the 3,000m to build speed and the 5,000m to enhance endurance.

Grand Slam Track is a new professional track and field league announced in 2024 by former American Olympic champion sprinter Michael Johnson. The inaugural season is set to run from April to September this year.

Alongside Ng’etich, other Kenyan athletes signed to compete in the league include world 800m champion Mary Moraa and Olympic 5,000m silver medalist Ronald Kwemoi.

“It’s a busy season, and my track calendar will be very demanding. I look forward to facing the world’s best and pushing for a strong season that will climax at the World Championships in September,” she added.

The Lobo Village, owned by three-time Boston Marathon champion Ibrahim Hussein, will host the invitation-only race. Organisers will also invite top performers from the recent National Cross Country Championships.

Meet Director Barnaba Korir reaffirmed the race’s commitment to international standards, noting its continued growth and recognition by World Athletics, which granted Kenya two Gold Tour events—the only ones in Africa.

“The race has been growing, and I want to thank World Athletics for granting us two Gold Tour events. This is a privilege because it allows many of our athletes to compete locally while earning good prize money,” said Korir during the event’s media launch in Eldoret on Wednesday.

Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jack Tuwei issued a stern warning to athletes against using prohibited substances, emphasizing the need for clean competition.

“Athletes must respect their peers competing globally by ensuring they compete clean and fairly. We cannot continue organizing events only for some athletes to be sanctioned shortly after. It’s time we all take responsibility as a community and stop this menace,” said Tuwei.

His sentiments were echoed by National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President Paul Tergat, who urged athletes to protect the country’s reputation by shunning doping.

Double world cross-country champion Beatrice Chebet, who also graced the occasion, encouraged athletes to uphold integrity.

“We must compete clean so that we rightfully earn what belongs to us,” said Chebet.

The event received a major boost from Absa Bank, which contributed Sh11 million in sponsorship. Regional Manager Julius Songok reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting local talent.

“We will continue nurturing and promoting athletic talent through this race,” said Songok.

Athletes can expect a challenging course, featuring steep hills and muddy puddles, with light showers adding an extra layer of difficulty, making for an exciting spectacle.