Fresh from conquering the world stage in Florida, World Cross Country champion Agnes Ng’etich and world silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo are set to return home to headline the fifth edition of the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour. The Gold Label event will take place on February 14, 2026, at the iconic Lobo Village.

The duo arrives in Eldoret carrying the momentum of spectacular performances at the World Cross Country Championships held in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 10.

Ng’etich secured her maiden global title in a dominant 31:28, while Ebenyo clinched a hard-fought bronze in 28:45.

For Ebenyo, the Sirikwa Classic is a quest for history. The 30-year-old is chasing a hat-trick of titles, having triumphed at Lobo Village in both 2024 and 2025.

He credited the event for his recent global success, noting that the competitive nature of the course was instrumental in preparing him for the podium in Florida.

Race director Barnaba Korir confirmed that the 2026 edition, backed by an Sh8 million sponsorship from Absa Bank, remains one of the most lucrative on the circuit.

The financial rewards reflect the event’s prestige, with senior elite winners set to pocket Sh774,102 ($6,000). Champions of the 2km loop race will take home Sh258,034 ($2,000), while the Under-20 winners will earn Sh161,271 ($1,250).

The event is designed to nurture talent across all levels, featuring kids’ races for age groups ranging from 5 to 15 years, which are open via registration. In contrast, the Under-20 races, the high-speed 2km loop, and the flagship 10km elite races will be strictly by invitation to maintain world-class standards.

Technical Director Ibrahim Hussein confirmed the challenging course remains unchanged, ensuring the “classic” cross-country experience that has made Eldoret a premier stop on the World Athletics calendar.

ALSO READ: Arts and sports students seek transfers amid deadline extension