Poise Under Pressure: Sirikwa Stars Balance Calm Demeanor with Title Ambitions

The 2026 Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country promises more than a season opener; it is a high-stakes proving ground. The start list reads like a global championship: a 10km road world record holder, reigning world champion, defending champions, World Cross medalists, and international road specialists stepping up to test themselves on Kenya’s sweeping ridges and mounds at Lobo Village.

At the pre-event press conference, the athletes’ words reflected calm, focus, and determination,  a quiet confidence honed through preparation at the highest level.

Ngetich: Defending Champion and World Record Holder

At the center is Agnes Jebet Ngetich, the reigning 10km road world record holder (28:46) and 2026 World Cross Country champion in Tallahassee, returning as defending Sirikwa champion. On the track, she boasts a 29:24 personal best over 10,000m.

“I am prepared under my coach and ready to run my race with no pressure. It’s not easy; anyone can win, but I am focusing on myself,” Ngetich said.

She opened her season in Tallahassee, unlike last year when Sirikwa marked her first race. “I just came from Tallahassee and continued with training,” she added.

On record-breaking, she reflected: “Having tried close to ten times and broken it, I look forward to improving.” She also revealed long-term ambitions: “I am focusing on running marathons in the future,” while maintaining that health and preparation are priorities: “We are still sitting with my coach and team as we focus on the season ahead, focusing on staying healthy and competing at high levels.”

Ebenyo: The Experienced Contender

Daniel Ebenyo returns for his third Sirikwa attempt as defending champion and World Cross bronze medalist. With a 26:57 10,000m PB and 12:52 5,000m PB, he blends track speed with cross-country endurance.

“I want fans to expect good results, and if it goes well tomorrow, it will be perfect for the entire year. With a bronze medal in Tallahassee, it speaks a lot about what to expect through the year,” Ebenyo said.

He highlighted the mental shift needed for road racing: “Coming from track to marathon has to do with mentality. I have learnt a lot from Geoffrey Kamworor as a mentor, having come from cross country to road racing.”

Cheptoyek: Silver Momentum

Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek enters as World Cross silver medalist with a sub-31-minute 10,000m PB.

“Competing with Agnes is something great, and gaining experience from her and other champions. It feels so good being in Kenya, it is just like I am at home,” she said.

“I can’t promise anything, but I will run my race, finish it, and may the best win. We started the season well and are hoping for the best,” Cheptoyek added. She emphasized the importance of discipline and trusting the process in achieving dreams.

Sasaki: Road Racer Adapts to Cross-Country

Japan’s Nobuhiro Sasaki, targeting a sub-28-minute 10,000m on track, makes his Kenyan cross-country debut.

“Tomorrow’s cross country, I will do my best. As a first timer in Kenya, I foresee a fast course as opposed to an easy course in Japan,” Sasaki said.

“I ate Kenyan food, including chapati… I will enjoy the race as I seek to do my best. I target 10,000m in track with a target of 28 time,” he added. For him, Sirikwa is both a competitive test and a strength-building exercise for track season preparation.

Mazurenko: Ukrainian Road Power Meets Kenyan Hills

Ukraine’s Mariia Mazurenko brings a 1:11:35 half-marathon PB, 33:10 10km PB, and 32:49.19 10,000m track PB to her first global cross-country experience.

“First time being in Kenya,  it has always been my dream to go to Iten. Tomorrow’s race will be my first cross country of that nature as I usually focus on road races,” she said.

“The altitude is quite high, and it means I must be very careful — training easy with the difficult uphills and downs,” Mazurenko added, noting the winter conditions at home made structured training difficult.

For her, mindset and health are as critical as fitness: “Mental preparedness is key, especially for me, being my first ever cross country of such global standards. Staying healthy is a plus — this combines being mentally prepared and healthy.”