A last minute decision to compete at the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross-Country at the Lobo Village, Eldoret on Saturday for Daniel Ebenyo Simiu paid off as he made history as the first man to defend his title.
Ebenyo who won his first Sirikwa 10km title in 2024 (29:16) had opted out of the championships to concentrate on his preparations for his second marathon race- the Seoul Marathon set for 16 March in South Korea.
“I saw my name and images on the advertising boards and that made me change my mind and decide to give it a shot. Am so happy to defend my title and make history here,” said Ebenyo, the 2022 Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist.
The 2023 World 10,000m silver medalist exploited his usual front-running style trademark to cruise the course and take victory in 29 minutes and 57 seconds.
Gideon Ronoh came in second place in 30:07 as Nicholas Kimeli completed the podium in 30:15 in the scorching sun and wind-dominated afternoon race.
“This is part of my preparations for Seoul next month. Cross-country has always been my strongest event and it shapes my season. Now am going back to training to refine further ahead of my next race… Competing in marathons isn’t easy,” added the 2023 World Half Marathon silver medalist.
An early take-off gamble in the opening lap by Agnes Jebet Ng’etich paid off as she built a 42 seconds gap by the third loop to win the race by one minutes and 10 seconds gap.
The senior women’s race had been billed as a showdown between three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon and Ngetich, the world record-holder over 10km on the roads. Ng’etich’s relentless pace proved too much for Kipyegon who withdrew before the end.
Ng’etich, the 2023 world cross-country bronze medalist won her maiden Sirikwa victory in 32 minutes and 42 seconds. In her debut in the event she finished 17th when the race was know as Agnes Tirop Cross Country Classic.
Africa 10,000m champion Janeth Chepng’etich finished second in 33:52 as Miriam Cherop came third in 34:09.
“I thank God for the energy today. It was my first time competing with Faith and I had planned for the race well. I don’t know why she (Faith) dropped out of the race but all I have is respect for her… she’s my mentor,” said Ng’etich, who is hopeful of making Team Kenya to Tokyo for the World Athletics Championships in September.
Purity Chepkirui made a return from a hamstring injury with a victory in the senior women’s 2km, winning in 6:46 ahead of African 800m silver medalist Lilian Odira (6:47) and Daisilah Bor (6:48).
“The course was windy but I had to runa tactical race to victory. It feels great to return from a hamstring injury that ruined my prospects at the Olympics last year,” said Chepkirui, the 2021 world u-20 1,500m champion.
Reynold Cheruiyot, the 2022 world U20 1500m champion, won the senior men’s 2km race in 6:01 ahead of Phanuel Koech (6:02) and Frankline Kimutai (6:04).
“This is part of my preparation for the track season. I am working on my endurance and speed,” said Cheruiyot after the win. His ultimate target for the year is to medal at the Tokyo25 World Champs.
Cynthia Chepkirui, a bronze medalist at the National Cross-Country won the women’s u-20 title in 20:37 ahead of Africa u-18 champion Joyline Chepkemoi who finished in 20:40. The World u-20 3,000m steeplechase bronze medalist Diana Chepkemoi finished third in 20:50.
The national junior champion Kevin Kiprop sealed a double of World Cold Tour winning the men’s u-20 8km loop in 24:24. His Saturday win came two months after winning the Great Chepsaita Cross Country.
He beat Franklin Chebet, Festus Kimorwo and Emmanuel Kipkorir who clocked 24:27 to finish in a thrilling photo-finish.
“This is all by the grace of the Lord,” said Kiprop, who won the national title on 8 February.
