All set for Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country tour

It is all systems go as the much-anticipated Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country tour is set to take center stage on Saturday, 3 February at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.

The venue is in Kapseret, between Eldoret Town and the Eldoret International Airport.

So far, more than 15 countries have confirmed participation in the global event.

In another turn of events, defending champion Faith Kipyegon is set to miss the competition due to other commitments as she gears up for another exciting year.

Speaking during the final media launch, the organizers led by the chairman of local organizing committee Abraham Mutai who also doubles up as the Athletics Kenya Central Rift Chairman, welcomed all competitors and fans to the athletics-rich Eldoret town, noting that preparations were 90% complete.

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He urged competitors to register in large numbers since major obstacles had been removed.

"We are finalizing everything. The course is coming out nicely. Obstacles in terms of mountains and few barriers. It looks even better than last time," he said.

According to race director Barnaba Korir, the race is a potent indication of Kenya's potential to host more global events.

He noted that they were keen to improve every year.

"We have hosted past successful events and top athletes have participated before. We are happy and proud to have athletes from various parts of the world. We aim to make it big like other cross-country series taking place all over the world," he remarked.

For Korir, the participation of the elderly category would serve as a morale booster for the younger ones competing.

He further pointed out that they were keen on nurturing more talents in the region.

"This is a hotbed of talent. Introducing athletes at an early age helps in nurturing their talents. The elderly ones will encourage the younger ones to keep running to make sure that as they grow they look up to someone. They will be motivated," he observed.

He urged fans to turn up in large numbers to watch their favorite athletes compete on home soil.

World road running 5km silver medalist Lilian Kasait said that she will be using this event as a springboard ahead of a busy athletics year.

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"The race will help me gauge my preparations for the world cross country. I will focus on cross country, then as time goes on and if everything goes well, maybe I'll take part in the 10,000m," she said.

The event will also be used to select the team that will represent Kenya in the upcoming World Cross Country Championships slated for Belgrade, Serbia.