Decades of nations to compete in Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour

Athletes from 18 different countries have confirmed their participation in the much-anticipated Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country meet, which is slated for Lobo Village on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

Some of the countries include Germany, Great Britain, France, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Latvia, the DRC Congo, and Tanzania.

The participation of more than two countries, according to World Cross Country rules, makes the competition a World Cross Country Series.

Together with the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, these two events are the only gold events in the world.

Speaking during the visit to the course, Kennedy Tanui, the secretary in charge of preparations, noted that this year, major barriers were removed. Tanui noted that competitors can expect a friendly course after the elimination of mud patches and steeplechase hurdles along the course.

"We have 18 confirmed nationalities in this event, which qualifies it to be a world cross-country series. World Cross Country demands that it involve three countries and above," he stated.

"We have a relatively good course this year, a shift from last year when we had so many obstacles. This year, due to the weather and public demand, the muddy obstacle has been removed. The steeplechase obstacle has been removed as well."

Lobo Village sits on 100 hectares, but only 40 hectares will be used for the event. According to Tanui, the unused land will host the spectators, as well as bazaars to ensure that competitors and spectators alike enjoy the event.

"We want to assure you that there will be lots of entertainment and fun for the family. There will be lots of bazaars for villagers to enjoy themselves," he remarked.

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On the course, we chatted with two foreign athletes who agreed that the Kenyan athletes would pose a challenge due to their familiarity with the course. Despite that, they noted that they would put their best foot forward.

For Germany-based Hendrick Pfeiffer, this was his 13th time in the country. He would be training in Iten for the next two months, and the Sirikwa competition was timely.

"My flight was good. Everything went well. It is my 13th time in Kenya so it is like my home. It is great to start my two-month training camp with such a high-level competition. I can try to keep up with some of these Kenyans. I was here two years ago, but this time I am in better shape, so let's see what happens," Pfeiffer said.

Maryna Nemchenko from Ukraine, who was in Kenya for the first time, said that she expects a friendly course, as well as top-notch competition from the Kenyan athletes.

"It was a hard trip. Our trip started two days ago. I hope it will be a great and interesting race. This is my first time in Kenya and after the race, I will go to Iten for the training camp so I have a lot lined up. I expect a lot of competition from the Kenyan athletes. I hope the course will not be very hilly," Nemchenko averred.

Among the notable athletes in this year's edition include Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Nicholas Kimeli, Sebastian Sawe, and Robert Kiprop.

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