Sirikwa Classic: John Korir thrills home crowd as Agnes Ngetich retains title

Reigning Boston Marathon champion John Korir delighted local athletics fans with a commanding performance on home soil, while World Cross-country champion Agnes Jebet Ngetich underlined her dominance by retaining her crown at the Sirikwa Classic on Saturday, 14 February in Eldoret.

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Kenyan fans were treated to the rare sight of the eighth-fastest marathoner in history lining up at a domestic cross-country event, and Korir did not disappoint.

The 29-year-old, racing his first cross-country event, stormed to victory in the senior men’s 10km race, clocking 29:44.

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Korir was fresh from his Valencia triumph last December, where he posted a personal best of 2:02:24. He was using the race as part of preparations for his Boston Marathon title defense set for Monday, 20 April.

He opened strongly, running 6:23 minutes in the first lap, lowered his time in the second (5:55), maintained pace in the third (5:58), then accelerated through the closing stages, covering the fourth and fifth laps in 5:48 and 5:32 respectively to seal victory.

“I’m feeling good, and I came here to see how my shape is, and I’m happy. This is my first cross country, and I’ve won it. I was not expecting to win,” a visibly excited Korir said after the win.

Former Sirikwa Classic Under-18 champion Amos Kiprotich finished second in 29:46, narrowly ahead of Silas Senchura, who completed the podium in the same time after a photo finish.

Defending champion Daniel Ebenyo faded to fifth place in 29:57.

Ngetich in a class of her own

In the senior women’s 10km race, Ngetich showcased her class, leading from gun to tape to secure victory in 32:28, an improvement on her 2025 winning time of 32:42 and her second Sirikwa Classic title in three attempts.

The reigning world champion drew energy from the home support as she cruised unchallenged through the course.

“The atmosphere was the same, and I loved it. Everyone was cheering, and it motivated me to continue running. Cross country is something I’ve loved since I was young,” a breathless Ng’etich said after the race.

Mercy Chepkemoi took silver in 33:42, with Catherine Manangole sealing a Kenyan podium sweep in 33:51. Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek placed fourth as Kenyan athletes filled positions five through 25.

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In the women’s Under-20 category, Venenza Chebet continued her upward trajectory, claiming top honours in 20:28. Chebet exceeded her own expectations after facing a strong field featuring recent World Cross Country competitors.

“I was expecting to finish seventh or eighth, but I decided to give my all,” she said.

Lonah Cherono from the Tegla Loroupe Foundation finished second in 20:36. This was an improvement from the World Cross Country Championships last month, where she finished 13th.

Cynthia Chepkirui, who finished fourth at the World XC Championships, completed the podium in 20:45.

The men’s Under-20 race was won by Emmanuel Kiprono Kipkorir in 23:41, with Wesley Kiplagat (24:08) and Edwin Elkana (24:21) completing the podium.

Fast times in the 2km loop

Naomi Korir triumphed in the women’s 2km loop race, winning in 4:42 ahead of Judy Kemunto and Mercy Chepngeno.

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“The race was not easy; this is my first race of the season. I had gone under the radar for a moment, but I’m back preparing for the track season,” Korir said.

In the men’s race, Reynold Cheruiyot reclaimed his title in 5:52, narrowly beating Munguti Kyumbe (5:53), with Timothy Cheruiyot third in 5:54.

World 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi finished fourth as he eased into his season. For Wanyonyi, the race was his preparation for the upcoming Diamond League circuit.

“It’s just the beginning. I want to be ready for the Diamond League circuit,” Wanyonyi noted.

Cheruiyot credited tactical discipline for his victory, saying the race allowed him to test his endurance and refine his race management against a strong field.