Lobo Village Enters Final Countdown Ahead of 5th Absa Sirikwa Classic

ELDORET, Kenya, Feb 9, 2026—Preparations for the 5th edition of the Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour (Gold Label) are in full swing at Lobo Village, Eldoret, with organizers confirming that every operational and logistical element is in place ahead of the February 14, 2026 race. From security and medical services to athlete accommodation, the venue is fully prepared to host a global cross-country competition that continues to grow in scale and prestige.

This year, the event also sees a significant increase in international participation, with the number of invited foreign athletes doubling from 40 in the fourth edition to 80, underlining the Sirikwa Classic’s rising global profile. Among the confirmed entrants is Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek, the silver medalist in the senior women’s race at the recent World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee. Other participants from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Ukraine, and various parts of the world have also been confirmed, reflecting the event’s growing appeal as a world-class competition.

Final Preparations Complete as Organizers Confirm Readiness for Gold Label Event

Meet Director Barnaba Korir led a detailed inspection of Lobo Village alongside Meet Technical Director Ibrahim Hussein Kipkemboi and the technical team. Korir praised the efficiency of the organizing team, noting that minimal follow-up was needed due to the meticulous planning that has gone into the event over the past months.

“I am very happy that we did not have to spend a lot of time following up because we have a team that has done a good job by organizing almost everything on our behalf,” Korir said. He confirmed that security, medical coverage, and accommodation arrangements have been fully finalized. “From Monday, there will be a beehive of activities as we enter the final stretch toward race day,” he added.

The Lobo Village course has undergone steady enhancements to meet international standards. Last year, a permanent starting point was installed to align with World Athletics requirements, while a mist zone introduced in the previous edition continues to improve athlete welfare by mitigating heat and dust exposure.

Elite International Fields and Over 3,500 Kids Set to Compete on World-Class Course

Hussein highlighted the technical team’s hands-on involvement from the launch of the event, ensuring that every aspect of the course is athlete-friendly and world-class. “From the day of the launch, the technical team has been on the ground to check every detail and deliver a well-organized global event fully aligned with World Athletics rules and guidelines,” he said.

Grassroots engagement remains a central pillar of the Sirikwa Classic. Organizers are targeting over 3,500 children to compete across multiple age categories in the kids’ races, providing early exposure to structured competition and nurturing the next generation of Kenyan and international distance runners.

The combination of an expanded elite field, enhanced course infrastructure, and large-scale youth participation reflects the Sirikwa Classic’s dual role as both a high-profile global race and a platform for community and talent development. With final preparations complete, Lobo Village is ready to host another thrilling edition of the event that blends elite competition with grassroots engagement.

As the countdown to February 14 continues, fans and stakeholders can look forward to a world-class cross-country spectacle, where Kenya’s rich tradition of distance running meets rising international competition, all on a course prepared to the highest standards.