Fresh off a record-breaking run at the Barcelona Half Marathon, Jocelyne Jepkosgei is set to test her endurance on home soil at the Sirikwa Classic in Eldoret.
The 32-year-old Kenyan star clocked an impressive 1:04:13 in Barcelona, shattering her own course record by 16 seconds.
Now, she shifts her focus to the rugged terrain of cross-country racing, where she will face a formidable field of elite athletes.
Elite Women’s Lineup Set for Fierce Competition
Jepkosgei will lead a star-studded women’s lineup, including World 10km record holder Agnes Ngetich, reigning New York Marathon champion Sheila Chepkirui, 2017 World Cross Country silver medallist Hellen Ekalale, and 2024 Malaga Half Marathon winner Loice Chemnung.
Determined to improve on her fourth-place finish at the recent National Cross-Country Championships (35:01.9), Jepkosgei is eager to assert her dominance on home ground.
Exciting Short-Distance Showdowns Await
The event also promises thrilling contests in the shorter distances. In the women’s 2km loop, world 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet will square off against national 800m champion Lilian Odira and 2013 World 5000m silver medallist Mercy Cherono.
On the men’s side, Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi headlines the race alongside 2020 Olympic 1500m silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot, adding further excitement to the competition.
Strict Invitation-Only Selection Process
Director Barnaba Korir emphasized that the Sirikwa Classic remains an exclusive invitational event, with selections based on global and national rankings.
He explained that it is an invitation-only event, with invitations extended to top-ranked athletes who have represented Kenya at the Olympics, Diamond League, and World Championships.
Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series Key to Selection
He further noted that performances in the six-leg Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series, which began in October, played a key role in the selection process.
“We picked the top 20 athletes from the AK Cross Country Series to ensure a highly competitive field,” he added.
Maintaining World Athletics Gold Label Status
Korir underscored the significance of maintaining the event’s World Athletics Gold Label status by inviting top-tier athletes.
“This structured selection aligns with World Athletics regulations for gold-label races,” he stated, confirming that the final list of international participants would be released today.
A Spectacular Showdown on the Horizon
With a mix of global stars and emerging talent, the Sirikwa Classic promises an electrifying showdown, reinforcing Kenya’s reputation as a powerhouse in long-distance running.
Also Read:Harry Kane down plays Injury concerns despite ongoing fitness issues
