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Faith Kipyegon drops out as Daniel Simiu claims consecutive Sirikwa Classic victories
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 22.02.25. | 17:45
In the women’s race, Agnes Ngetich emerged victorious in 32:42 after Faith Kipyegon, who had been running comfortably in second place, was forced to withdraw
Triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon dropped out of Sirikwa Classic's senior women’s 10km race as Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo Simiu secured his second consecutive victory in the men's category.
Braving hot and dusty conditions at Lobo Village, Simiu clocked 29:57 to claim first place, finishing ahead of Gideon Rono (30:07) and Nicholas Kimeli (30:15), who settled for second and third, respectively.
The World Half Marathon silver medalist expressed his joy at defending his title, marking the end of a successful cross-country season.
“I am delighted to have defended my title and ended the cross-country season on a high. My next focus is on the Seoul Marathon on March 16,” Ebenyo.
Simiu had clocked 29:16 to win last year’s edition of the same competition.
His latest triumph comes just two weeks after he posted 30:48.0 to clinch the senior men’s title at the National Cross Country Championships at the Eldoret Sports Club.
Ngetich Claims Women’s Title After Kipyegon’s Exit
In the women’s race, Agnes Ngetich emerged victorious in 32:42 after Faith Kipyegon, who had been running comfortably in second place, was forced to withdraw.
Kipyegon’s unexpected exit eased the pressure on Ngetich, who admitted she was unaware of her rival’s withdrawal.
Janeth Chepngetich finished second in 33:52, while Miriam Chebet secured third place in 34:09.
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Ngetich acknowledged the race’s stiff competition and challenging conditions.
“The race was very competitive, with elite athletes in the lineup, and the weather was also unfavorable. I thank God for enabling me to win because I wasn’t even expecting it,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ngetich views cross-country as an essential build-up to her long-track season.
She is setting her sights on the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, after missing the Paris Olympic Games due to injury.
However, she remains uncertain about whether she will focus on the 5,000m or 10,000m, noting that her decision will depend on how her body responds before the national trials.
