Athletes competing in the fourth edition of the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country will be running for more than just glory this year. The 2025 edition promises one of the highest prize money structures ever seen in the history of the series, setting a new standard in cross-country races.

During the official launch of the event in Eldoret, race director Barnaba Korir announced that this year’s edition will award prizes to the top 15 finishers, a significant expansion from the usual payouts limited to eighth place.

“The winners will walk away with one of the highest prize amounts ever paid in the cross-country series,” Korir said. “Other races typically pay up to eighth place, but we’ve decided to reward athletes all the way through to 15th place.”

This expanded prize structure ensures that more athletes benefit financially. Under-20 winners will take home Ksh. 162,500, while senior athletes will compete for a first-place prize of Ksh. 780,000.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Lobo Village in Eldoret, will see the top 15 runners from both senior and youth categories receiving substantial rewards. Korir also noted that the prize structure is designed to motivate the athletes, particularly the youth, who will receive payouts from positions one to ten.

Call for Clean Competition

Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya (AK) President Rtd. Gen. Jack Tuwei issued a stern warning against doping, urging athletes to uphold the integrity of Kenyan athletics.

“Let’s respect this country; let’s stop doping,” Tuwei stated. “These actions tarnish Kenya’s reputation and undermine the efforts put into organizing such major events.”

With its record-breaking prize money and commitment to clean sport, the Sirikwa Classic 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the global cross-country calendar.

Written by

Covenant Everest

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