By Wasike Elvis
The 2025 Sirikwa Classic Cross Country saw thrilling performances from some of the world’s best distance runners, with Daniel Ebenyo and Agnes Jebet Ng'etich claiming victory in their respective categories.
In the men’s race, world 10,000m and half marathon silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo successfully defended his title, clocking a time of 29:57. He fended off stiff competition from Gideon Rono, who finished second in 30:07, while Nicholas Kipkorir rounded out the top three with a time of 30:15.
Ebenyo, reflecting on the challenging race, praised the difficult loop, acknowledging that it wasn’t an easy victory. “I'm happy I've defended my title and finished the cross country. I will shift my focus to next month's Seoul Marathon on the 16th, and I'm confident I will do well,” said Ebenyo, looking ahead to his next challenge.
In the women’s race, world 10km record holder Agnes Ng'etich powered to victory with a time of 32:42. Janeth Chepng'etich finished second in 32:52, and Miriam Chebet claimed third with a time of 34:09. The race was marked by the unexpected dropout of world champion Faith Kipyegon, who was forced to withdraw halfway through due to the extreme heat.
Ng'etich, visibly overjoyed with her performance, shared her excitement about racing alongside Kipyegon for the first time. “It was my first time competing with Faith; she's my mentor, and I felt good racing with her today,” Ng'etich commented. “We are both world record holders, but each one of us was running her own race. Competing against her was truly the best moment of my sporting life.”
In the U20 men’s race, Kelvin Kiprop added to his growing collection of titles, clinching the 8km crown in 24:24. Frankline Kibet (24:27) and Festus Kimorwo (24:27) completed the top three. Kiprop expressed satisfaction with his consistent form this season, which has already seen him take the titles at the National Championships and Sirikwa Classic. “Competing against senior athletes is not a walk in the park,” Kiprop remarked, as he now shifts focus to qualifying for the World Championships in the 1,500m and 5,000m.
Cynthia Chepkirui won the U20 women’s 6km race in 20:37, with Joyline Jepkemoi and Diana Chepkemoi finishing second and third, respectively. Jepkemoi, who has made steady improvements throughout the season, shared her ambitions for the upcoming competitions. “I’m hoping to qualify for the Africa Championships in the 1,500m and 5,000m. It’s going to be a tough season, especially as I’m a form four candidate at AIC Cheptonon in Nandi County,” she said.
The 2025 Sirikwa Classic Cross Country proved to be another exciting chapter in Kenya’s storied distance running legacy, with top performances setting the stage for even greater achievements in the upcoming seasons.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.