The 4th edition of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour at the Lobo Village in Kapseret, Eldoret, today promises to be lit.
From the organisation after lengthy months of planning since the past edition, finally the day is here with us.
Over 1,000 athletes from 40 different nationalities will tussle in the 6 categories not only for lucrative ultimate prize money, but also to kick start their season.
Lobo Village became alive once more from yesterday in preparation for today’s gold label cross country event and the only gold level status meet in Africa.
From vendors, Bodaboda riders, and athletics enthusiasts who have travelled from different parts of the country, the majority from the athletics-rich region of Rift Valley, were already in numbers at the event venue yesterday.
The numbers are expected to double if not tripple on Saturday to witness an international championship and the only one being held in the region .
The local organising committee led by the meet Director Barnaba Korir,technical director Kennedy Tanui,course director Ibrahim Hussein and the LOC chairman who is also the Central Rift chairman Abraham Mutai have worked tireless round the clock to ensure today’s event meet the threshold set by World Athletics.
This year’s edition marks 4 years since the inauguration of the race and proves the country’s ability to stage global events.
Getting back to the start list, it’s so rich with top-performing athletes in Kenya and foreign countries who have been invited.
The day’s core events will start from midday with the 2 km loop for both men and women, followed by the under-20 men and women, before switching to big girls and boys in the 10 km, which will wind up the day.
Before, there will be entertainment galore and kids athletics, which is always synonymous with the Sirikwa Cross Country.
The kids races range from 6 to 15 years.
All eyes at the Lobo Village will be on the 10 km senior races with world record holders Faith Kipyegon and Agnes Jebet Ng’etich facing off for the first time in the women’s competition, not forgetting Chepsaita Cross Country champion Loice Chekwemoi of Uganda, while world silver medallists Stanley Waithaka and Jacob Krop will headline the men’s event.
For sure it doesn’t get better than this; if you will be around Eldoret, then the best place to be today is at Lobo Village.
All the best to all competitors.
