T. NashipaeSirikwa Classic: Anyango, Simiu dazzle opponents in senior category
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 03.02.24. | 18:10
Today, Ebenyo was in a class of his own. Despite starting slowly, he finished impressively, shining in 29:16
World 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo made a remarkable debut at the Sirikwa Classic to outshine all his opponents in the third edition of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour, held on Saturday, February 3, at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.
Ebenyo, who started his year on a high, aimed to extend his winning streak. He began his season with a victory in the Campaccio International Cross Country race held in San Giorgio su Legnano, Italy, on January 6, completing the course in 26:19.
Following that, the star won his maiden National Police Cross Country Championships on January 19 after finishing in 29:48:49. It was during that race that he ran the last 300m bare-chested after removing his jersey and waving it all the way.
Today, Ebenyo was in a class of his own. Despite starting slowly, he finished impressively, shining in 29:16, narrowly ahead of Ishmael Kipkurui, who completed the race in 29:18, while Weldon Lagat completed the podium in 29:26.
Speaking after the race, the high-flying Ebenyo said he suffered a stitch in the second lap and was almost quitting before his eyes met those of his coach, Eric Kibet, giving him more motivation. According to Ebenyo, the win was a sign that he was ready for the world.
"In the second lap, I was getting a stitch. I almost dropped out, but I saw my coach Eric Kibet, and he motivated me to finish. This is my second race in Kenya this season after the Kenya Police Service Cross Country Championships, and it shows that all is well, and I am ready for the World," he told Mozzart Sport.
World cross-country junior champion Kipkurui was uncertain about whether he would defend his U20 title but was glad that he performed well.
"Simiu was a very tough competitor, but I managed. I'm not sure if I will defend my under-20 World Cross title, but I shall talk with my management," he averred.
In the senior women's category, Anyango braved the high temperatures to emerge as the winner in 32:55. She finished ahead of Joycelline Jepkosgei (33:10) and Catherine Reline (33:18).
Anyango, who also started the year on a high, said she was setting herself up for greatness in the upcoming World Cross Country trials. She began the year by claiming the second position during the Valencia Ibercaja race in Spain held on January 14. Together with Agnes Jebet, they made history as the first Kenyan women to break the 29-minute barrier.
"I did not do well in class, and the track is my everything. I'm going to utilize my talent well during the World Cross Country trials," she told Mozzart Sport.
For Jepkosgey, this race was part of her preparation for the Barcelona Half Marathon scheduled for next week. "This was a good speed work test for me," she said.
The day ended with speeches and celebratory dances from the invited entertainers.
Senior category collated results:
Senior Women: Immaculate Anyango 32:55, Joyceline Jepkosgei 33:10, Catherine Reline 33:18, Cynthia Chepngeno 33:30, Glorious Jepkirui 33:43
Senior Men: Daniel Simiu 29:16, Ishmael Kipkurui Rokitto 29:18, Weldon Lagat Kipkirui 29:26, Naibei Kiplimo 29:27, Vincent Lagat 29:32
