Star acts for Memorial Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Tour

Three-time world cross country champion Geoffrey Kamworor and the world half marathon record holder, Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey are the first star names confirmed for the Memorial Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Tour, set for Eldoret on 12 February 2022.

Kamworor, who was present during the launch of the event, said that he is looking forward to using it to test his endurance and speed against some of the world’s best cross country runners.

The 29-year-old, who won his two senior world cross country titles in 2015 and 2017 following the U-20 title he claimed in 2011 confirmation for the event has assured Kenyans of a formidable opponent for other big names that could be added to the entry list from the neighbouring countries of Uganda and Ethiopia.

"Today (Tuesday 4 January) I was honoured to join cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago, Nandi County deputy governor Yulita Cheruiyot, Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei, our sponsors and other dignitaries during the media launch of the Tour event.

It is important to note that our bid for this prestigious event had the full backing from the government and we want to thank Cabinet Secretary for this great support and for being the Chief guest during the launch.

The invitational event will be held separately from the National Cross Country Championships and therefore will give athletes an opportunity to accumulate points that will count towards their earnings from the lucrative prize money," said event organiser Barnaba Korir.

In the women's event, the confirmation of two-time world U-20 cross country champion Gidey, who set a world half marathon record of 1:02:52 in Valencia in October, sets the scene for an amazing race next month.

Some of the Kenyan athletes to join the elite fields will continue to be selected and invited following upcoming cross country races in Kenya that will culminate with the national championships to be held at the same venue on 22 January.

The major World Athletics Cross Country Tour races set to take place in the picturesque Lobo Village in Kapseret near Eldoret town will be the senior men’s and women’s 10km events that will be held in the afternoon. The morning session will include U-20 races as part of the programme.

"I want to thank our technical team led by course director Ibrahim Hussein and head coach Julius Kirwa for working tireles to ensure that they deliver a quality course." added Korir.