Gloria Chebagogo and Tiloa Training Camp Shine at Sirikwa Classic 13–15 Category

Dorcas Chepngetich powered home to lead a clean podium sweep for Tiloa Training Camp as Kenya’s girls dominated the 13–15 years category at the fifth Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country. Among them, Gloria Chebagogo, a steady performer with previous medals at the Great Chepsaita cross country races, claimed bronze(2024) and gold (2025) declared her dream to become the next Faith Kipyegon.

Tiloa Training Camp Leads Girls’ Podium Sweep

Held on Valentine’s Day at the iconic The Lobo Village, the Sirikwa Classic has grown into a flagship platform for nurturing young Kenyan runners. This year, over 3,500 children across all age categories competed, making it the largest edition yet and a true celebration of grassroots athletics.

In the girls’ 13–15 category, Dorcas Chepngetich crossed the finish line in 6:56.9, followed closely by Sheila Chepkoech (6:57.2) and Gloria Chebagogo (7:09.5). For Gloria, the bronze medal continues a remarkable progression: she earned bronze at the 2024 Great Chepsaita Cross Country, gold at the 2025 Chepsaita Cross Country, and now returns to the podium at Sirikwa Classic. After the race, she shared her ambitions:

"I want to become the next Faith Kipyegon. Watching her run inspires me, and I hope to follow her footsteps to represent Kenya at the highest level," Gloria said.

Boys’ Race Highlights Depth of Kenya’s Talent

In the boys’ 13–15 category, Ezron Murgok claimed gold in 6:21.6, followed by Abraham Kipkoros (6:25.8) and Caleb Kiptoo (6:27.4). The tightly contested race underscored the depth of Kenya’s youth talent and the effectiveness of training hubs like Tiloa Camp in developing runners who can compete at national and international levels.

Barnaba Korir, Athletics Kenya’s Youth Development Programme Director, highlighted the importance of these competitions for athlete progression. “At this age, it’s not just about winning — it’s about building athletes holistically. Our Junior holiday camps, hosted in more than 50 public institutions across the country, provide structured coaching, mentoring, and safeguarding. They prepare young runners to transition seamlessly into under-20 competitions and eventually senior international events.”

Korir also noted the regional rivalry driving progress. “Uganda and Ethiopia are investing heavily in early talent development, linking schools and government programs with athletics initiatives. Healthy competition from these neighbouring countries motivates us to continually improve our youth programmes and maintain Kenya’s leadership in distance running.”

The Sirikwa Classic’s fifth edition reflected the explosive growth of youth participation. From a few hundred kids in the early editions to thousands today, it’s clear that the nation’s grassroots athletics culture is thriving. “Watching these children compete with such enthusiasm and discipline is inspiring,” Korir said. “These experiences at a young age lay the foundation for their future as world-class athletes.”

For Gloria Chebagogo and her peers, the Sirikwa Classic offered more than medals: it was a platform to test themselves against the best of their age group, develop resilience, and dream big. “Racing here, seeing the competition, and pushing myself every step — it teaches me so much,” Gloria said. “I know the hard work now will pay off in the future.”

From Tiloa Training Camp’s clean sweep in the girls’ category to the thrilling battles in the boys’ race, the 13–15 age category at Sirikwa Classic reinforced Kenya’s position as a cradle of world-class running talent. With structured programmes, committed coaches, and motivated young athletes, the next generation of champions is already taking shape on the rolling hills of Lobo Village.