Three world record holders are set to clash at the most-awaited Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross-Country- the final Gold meeting in this season’s World Athletics Cross Country Tour, on the outskirts of Eldoret Town this Saturday.
Triple Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, who is also the women’s world record holder over the distance, World 10km record-holder Agnes Jebet Ngetich and Women’s marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich will collide in the senior women’s 10km race during the fourth edition.
Kipyegon, the four-time world champion, will endeavor to reclaim the title she ran away with during the 2023 edition, where she clocked 33:50. She led Jackline Chepkoech (34:52) and Zenah Jemutai (35:08) to the podium.
During that groundbreaking year she also shattered the world 1500m, mile and 5000m records enroute to being crowned the world 1500m and 5000m champion.
“I am currently in my build-up, training towards the outdoor season ahead,” said Kipyegon, who will make her track season debut at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Xiamen on 26 April, when she will compete in the 1000m.
“Cross country is where athletics started for me as a young girl and it’s always motivating to run on home ground.”
Meet director Barnaba Korir confirmed Kipyegon’s entry on Wednesday, calling it a major boost for the fourth edition: “I am excited to announce that three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon will compete at the fourth edition of the Sirikwa Classic World Athletics Cross Country Tour.”
Kipyegon is no stranger to cross country, having clinched junior titles at the 2011 World Cross Country Championships in Spain (18:53) and the 2013 edition in Poland (17:51).
The 31-year-old will be the athlete to beat but her path to victory won’t be a walk in the forest as she will have to beat other world beaters.
Ngetich, who was a distant 17th during the inaugural edition of the Sirikwa Classic, then known as the Agnes Tirop Cross Country Classic, placed fourth at the World Cross Country Championships in 2024 after having claimed individual bronze and team gold at the 2023 edition of the global event.
“I am excited to open my season at the Sirikwa Cross Country. This is the first step in a big year ahead, and I am ready to test my form and give my best on home soil,” said Ngetich, who won the 2024 national cross-country title in 31:05 at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru.
Meanwhile, Chepng’etich, the 2023 national cross-country champion (32:57), will use the race as a tune-up ahead of the London Marathon on 27 April. She finished sixth at the 2022 national cross country in Eldoret, crossing the line in 34:40.
However, the battle won’t only be among the three Kenyans. Stiff competition will also come from Uganda’s emerging talent Loice Chekwemoi, the 18-year-old African 3000m steeplechase champion and winner of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country.
Other athletes in the mix include Kenya’s Hellen Ekalale, winner of the 10K Valencia Ibercaja, plus All-African Games 10,000m champion Janeth Chepngetich, national cross-country champion Brillian Jepkorir Kipkoech, African cross-country champion Cintia Chepngeno and world half marathon bronze medalist Catherine Amanang’ole, 2024 New York Marathon champion Sheila Chepkirui and 2021 London Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei.
In addition to those from Uganda, international athletes from Ethiopia, Ukraine and Czechia will also compete.
Regional rivals Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania are some of the nations confirmed for the event as confirmed by Meet Director Korir.
“This promises to be an exhilarating event as top-tier athletes showcase their talents as over 14 nations take part,” said Korir.
“We encourage spectators to join us and witness this thrilling showcase of athletic excellence.”
