Eldoret’s iconic Lobo Village will once again be the centre of cross-country running excellence this Saturday as the fifth edition of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour unfolds, promising a highly competitive and internationally-flavoured field.
The Continental Gold Tour fixture has grown significantly since its inception, carving out a reputation not just for elite racing but also as an important launching pad for rising Kenyan talent.
Meet director Barnaba Korir expressed strong confidence in the organisers’ preparations, underscoring their commitment to staging a smooth, high-quality event that adheres to global standards.
Korir said the race’s hallmark has always been blending world-class competition with opportunities for young athletes to be spotted and developed.
“From day one, our goal was to build a competition that not only meets international expectations but also gives promising runners a chance to step into the spotlight,” Korir said in a pre-race briefing. “We are ready and looking forward to another exciting edition.”
The Sirikwa Classic stands out as one of just two World Athletics Continental Gold Tour cross country events on the African continent a distinction it shares with the Great Chepsaita Cross Country.
This elite status has helped attract both top-tier athletes and ambitious newcomers, raising the bar for competition and spectacle.
Technical head Ibrahim Hussein confirmed that final touches to the racecourse are in place, with organisers focusing on athlete safety and spectator experience.
“We want the course to be safe and demanding cross country should test strength, strategy and resilience,” he said.
Over the years, the Sirikwa Classic has become synonymous with career progression for Kenyan runners, with many who once competed as juniors going on to represent the nation on the global stage.
Korir believes this legacy is testament to the event’s value in developing future champions.
As race day approaches, the athletics community in Eldoret and beyond is gearing up for another thrilling chapter in Kenya’s rich distance-running story.
