Reigning Boston Marathon champion John Korir delivered a surprise masterclass at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country on Saturday, storming to victory in the senior men’s 10km race.

Korir clocked 29:44 to edge Amos Kiprotich, who finished just two seconds behind in 29:46. Youngster Silas Senchura completed the podium in a dramatic sprint finish, posting an identical time to Kiprotich.

Despite the emphatic performance, Korir admitted the win was not part of his original plan.

“I did not expect to win. During the warm-up, the other athletes kept reminding me this is not marathon, but cross country,” he said.

Still, the 29-year-old exuded quiet confidence.

“But I told them if I go all the way to the 6km mark, you will not see me again because my body will have already adapted to the course and warmed up,” he added.

Korir revealed the race was primarily a fitness test as he builds up his season.

“This is my first cross country race and I just won it. I only came here to gauge my body and I can see it is good,” he said.

Ng’etich extends dominance

In the senior women’s race, Agnes Ng’etich successfully defended her title with another commanding display.

Ng’etich powered to victory in 32:28, finishing ahead of Mercy Chepkemoi (33:42) and Catherine Reline (33:51). Her latest triumph improved on last year’s winning time of 32:42, underlining her red-hot form in 2026.

She acknowledged the tough conditions but credited the home crowd for lifting her performance.

“It was just like last time. The humidity was high, it was hot and windy,” she said.

“But then I loved the atmosphere. Everyone was chanting my name, I was so happy and strong so I had to push. It was so nice running at home.”

Ng’etich arrived in Eldoret brimming with confidence after clinching her maiden global title at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee last month.

“The world title is something I had searched for long. I did not give up and finally I won it in Tallahassee,” she noted.

She also praised the growth of the Sirikwa Classic into a premier event on the international calendar.

“This is my third time running here and I am so happy to have been part of this race. It has really grown and it’s amazing to have a gold label event at home.”

“Cross country is a build-up for track for me and it’s something I have loved for long.”

Runner-up Chepkemoi expressed satisfaction with her performance.

“I was so happy to finish second behind the world record holder. The pace from Ng’etich was high but I pushed myself,” she said.

With commanding wins from Korir and Ng’etich, the Sirikwa Classic once again showcased Kenya’s depth and dominance in distance running.

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