Former champions return for Sirikwa Classic cross country

It will be about experience and tactics as world beaters in athletics prepare for a mega showdown at the fourth edition of Sirikwa Classic cross-country Tour at the Lobo Village tomorrow.

The number of top guns setting sights on glory at the world cross country tour event is just staggering. But all eyes are on former champions of the showpiece, which was run first in 2022 as Agnes Tirop Memorial World Cross Country Tour in honour of fallen athlete Agnes Tirop, who was found dead in Iten in October 2021.

The debate on who will cross the finish line first between three-time Olympic champion and 1500m world record holder Faith Kipyegon and the fastest athlete in women's 10km Agnes Ngetich will be settled in tomorrow's showdown.

The duo will be leading the charge in the battle for women's 10km crown.

But Faith Kipyegon returns to the Lobo Village as a former Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour champion, after winning in her category in the 2023 event.

"I am glad to be back. We shall go to the drawing board with my coach and see how we go towards the world record," Kipyegon said as she kicked off her 2023 season at the Sirikwa Classic.

Tomorrow, history repeats itself as she begins the season with the same race that propelled her to 1500m, Mile and 5000m world records in the 2023 season. With stars such as Sandrefelis Chebet Tuei, the 2018 Valencia 10km winner competing, the women's race is expected to be even tighter.

The former winners are back to reclaim their titles in the race staged at serene Lobo Village, a family entertainment spot owned by three-time Boston Marathon winner Ibrahim Hussein nestled in an expansive property between the Eldoret City and the Eldoret International Airport.

It will be a tough battle for world 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo as he faces a strong field in defending his 2024 title.

Former champions will be seeking to recapture the crown from the world half marathon silver medallist.

Inaugural winner Samwel Chebolei is also in the mix. Late last month, Chebolei emerged second at the Discovery Cross Country in Eldoret and hinted at a return to the Sirikwa Classic contest.

Chebolei, who also took the national cross country title in 2022 held at the Lobo Village, will be facing Cornelius Kemboi.

Kemboi had defeated Chebolei at the Discovery Kenya Cross Country race at the Eldoret Sports Club on January 26 as he defended his title.

"I will likely be competing at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour and I will be hoping to do better, " Chebolei said after the second place.