Ngetich, Ebenyo return for Sirikwa Classic chowdown
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 21.01.26. | 10:35
Ngetich was imperious at last year’s edition, delivering a masterclass in endurance to dominate the senior women’s 10km race in 32:42.
Newly crowned World Cross Country champion Agnes Jebet Ngetich and bronze medalist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo will return to defend their titles at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country on Saturday, 14 February, in what promises to be a high-quality showdown at the Lobo Village course.
Ngetich was imperious at last year’s edition, delivering a masterclass in endurance to dominate the senior women’s 10km race in 32:42.
Ebenyo, meanwhile, showcased his cross-country pedigree by successfully defending his men’s title, stopping the clock at 29:57 after outclassing a deep and competitive field.
Speaking during the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country launch held on Tuesday, 20 January, at Lobo Village in Eldoret, Ngetich lauded the organizers for sustaining the event and using it as a platform to nurture emerging talent.
“I thank Athletics Kenya for investing in this event because it is an opportunity for young athletes to nurture their talents. It will also be Valentine’s Day, and I can’t wait to receive flowers at the finish line,” the Iten-based athlete said.
Ngetich heads into the Sirikwa Classic in red-hot form after emphatically opening her 2026 season with victory at the World Cross Country Championships held on Saturday, 10 January, in Tallahassee, United States. There, she led from gun to tape to clinch gold in 31:28.
Ebenyo also reflected on the role the Sirikwa Classic has played in shaping his career, noting that the demanding nature of the course provided confidence, visibility, and crucial momentum in his professional journey.
“Winning the Sirikwa Classic in the previous two editions has been a major boost to my career. This competition challenged me and prepared me for greater things in my career. It has played a significant role in my preparation for the World Cross Country Championships, where I won a medal for Kenya,” he said.
At the 2026 World Cross Country Championships, Ebenyo settled for bronze in a fiercely contested race won by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, clocking 28:45 to secure a podium finish for Kenya.
Beyond the competition, the Sirikwa Classic has continued to grow in stature, largely due to strong corporate backing.
Absa Bank has transformed the event through a multi-year partnership that began with a Ksh2 million investment in 2023, helping elevate the race to World Athletics Gold-level status. The bank increased its support to Ksh3 million in 2024 before significantly ramping up its involvement with a Ksh11 million title sponsorship in 2025.
For the upcoming 2026 edition, Absa has maintained its role as a cornerstone sponsor by committing Ksh8 million, ensuring the Sirikwa Classic remains one of the premier cross-country events on the global calendar.
