RECORDS & HONORS

The Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour has rapidly established itself as one of the most prestigious cross-country events on the global athletics calendar. Staged annually at the demanding high-altitude terrain of Lobo Village, Eldoret, the race blends elite competition, rich cultural heritage, and Kenya’s deep-rooted cross-country tradition.

The inaugural edition in 2022 was launched as the Agnes Tirop Memorial Cross Country, paying tribute to the late world-class athlete whose legacy continues to inspire generations. This first edition laid the foundation for what would become a globally respected event. Kenya’s Charles Katul Lokir claimed the men’s 10km title, setting the initial course benchmark, while Faith Kipyegon, one of the most decorated middle-distance runners in history, dominated the women’s race. Their performances established the competitive standard and immediately placed the event on the international radar.

In 2023, the race officially adopted the name Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, drawing inspiration from the ancient Sirikwa civilisation that once thrived across the Great Rift Valley. The name symbolised endurance, dominance, and heritage—values mirrored in the competition itself. Charles Katul Lokir successfully defended his men’s title, improving on his previous time, while Faith Kipyegon returned to deliver another commanding women’s victory. The back-to-back elite performances confirmed the Sirikwa Classic as a true test of strength, strategy, and resilience.

The 2024 edition marked a turning point as the Sirikwa Classic firmly cemented its status on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold series. That year produced one of the most memorable performances in the event’s history. Daniel Simiu Ebenyo surged to victory in the men’s race, recording a blistering 29:16, the fastest time ever run on the Sirikwa Classic course. His performance redefined expectations on the challenging Eldoret terrain. In the women’s race, Joyciline Jepkosgei showcased her class with a decisive win, underlining the growing depth of elite competition at the event.

The 2025 Sirikwa Classic reinforced the race’s reputation for excellence and consistency. Ebenyo returned to successfully defend his men’s title, once again proving his mastery of the course and confirming his place among the event’s greats. On the women’s side, Agnes Jebet Ngetich delivered a standout performance, clocking 32:42, the fastest women’s time in the history of the Sirikwa Classic. Her run marked a new milestone and highlighted the evolution of the women’s competition at the event.

In just a few years, the Sirikwa Classic has evolved from a memorial race into a global cross-country showcase, attracting world champions, record holders, and emerging talents. The steady improvement in winning times reflects not only athlete excellence but also the race’s growing stature within international athletics. Rooted in history, shaped by culture, and driven by elite performance, the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour continues to honour the past while forging a powerful future—standing proudly as a symbol of Kenya’s enduring dominance in cross-country running and its contribution to the global athletics community.