Reynold Cheruiyot and Naomi Korir Dominate 2km at Absa Sirikwa Classic
- Robert Kibet for Sirikwa Classic
- Feb 14
- 3 min read
ELDORET, Kenya – Kenya’s Reynold Cheruiyot Kipkorir and Naomi Korir delivered standout performances to win the men’s and women’s 2km loops at the fifth edition of the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, part of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold series.
Cheruiyot Edges Munguti in Thriller
In the men’s race, Reynold Cheruiyot crossed the line in 5:52, narrowly edging Kyumbe Munguti by just one second. Timothy Cheruiyot finished third in 5:54, with Emmanuel Wanyonyi close behind in 5:55.
“I wanted to test my strength early in the season, and I’m happy with the win. The pace was strong, but I stayed patient and finished well,” said Reynold Cheruiyot.
From the gun, the pace was relentless. Cheruiyot and Munguti broke clear in the decisive kilometer, trading subtle surges as they negotiated the technical barriers and rolling terrain. In the final stretch, Cheruiyot found an extra gear to seal the victory.
“It was a tight race, and Reynold was strong in the final stretch. I’m encouraged by how I managed my pace and look forward to building on this for the track season,” said Kyumbe Munguti.
“It was a competitive race, especially this early in the year. I’m building step by step, and this gives me confidence for the season ahead,” said Timothy Cheruiyot.
Behind the leaders, Duncan Waweru (5:57) and Amason Kireu (5:58) pushed hard, breaking six minutes, while Domenic Krop (6:00), Shadrack Kipngetich (6:01), Noah Koech (6:05), and Edwin Kiplagat Kiprono (6:05) rounded out a deep top ten.
Korir Dominates Women’s 2km
Naomi Korir opened her season in style, winning the women’s 2km loop in 6:42, five seconds ahead of Judy Kemunto (6:47). Mercy Chepng’eno Koskei completed the podium in 6:54, narrowly holding off Abigael Chemutai and Faith Chebet.
“This is my first race of the year, and I’m happy to start with a win. I’m using this as build-up for the season ahead and plan to compete at the next BingwaFest edition,” said Naomi Korir.
Korir, with a personal best of 1:59 over 800m, translated her track speed effectively to the grass, maintaining rhythm over hills and barriers while gradually opening a gap on the chasing pack.
Rising Stars Make Their Mark
Chepng’eno, still early in her development, acknowledged the hill sections were her main challenge, but was impressed with her endurance and tactical awareness. Fresh from a school 300m championship and a NIL deal with sportswear brand ON, she is targeting Youth Olympic pathways in the months ahead.
“I will go back and work on my hill workouts because that was my main challenge today,” said Chepng’eno.
The women’s field was deep and competitive, with Mercy Chepsoyo (6:55), Joyce Jepkogei Biwot (7:01), Evalyne Wambui (7:04), Emmily Jerop (7:08), and Mary Nyaruai Ekiru (7:09) rounding out the top ten.
Early-Season Form on Display
The Sirikwa Classic once again demonstrated its value as a high-altitude, early-season benchmark. For Cheruiyot and Korir, the races confirmed fitness and readiness ahead of the 2026 track campaign. For emerging athletes like Chepng’eno, it highlighted areas for improvement and offered valuable race experience.
One-second margins in the men’s race and five-second spreads on the women’s podium emphasize how fine the differences are at the top level. The 2026 season promises intense rivalries and exciting performances as athletes transition from endurance-based work to track-specific preparation.
Men’s 2km – Top 5
Reynold Cheruiyot Kipkorir – 5:52
Kyumbe Munguti – 5:53
Timothy Cheruiyot – 5:54
Emmanuel Wanyonyi – 5:55
Duncan Waweru – 5:57
Women’s 2km – Top 5
Naomi Korir – 6:42
Judy Kemunto – 6:47
Mercy Chepng’eno Koskei – 6:54
Abigael Chemutai – 6:54
Faith Chebet – 6:54
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