Four years ago, three-time Boston Marathon champion Ibrahim Kipkemboi Hussein set out to provide emerging athletes with a platform to showcase their talent. With that vision, he planned to host a cross-country event on his expansive 30-acre farm, which also houses Lobo Village in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
It was a blessing in disguise when Athletics Kenya (AK) selected his farm to host the country's first World Cross Country Gold Tour.
The event was named in honour of the late record-breaking distance runner Agnes Tirop, who was tragically murdered in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet, in 2021. From 2022, the event was rebranded as the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Gold Tour.
Before AK settled on Lobo Village, the federation conducted inspections at two other venues—the University of Eldoret course and the Eldoret Sports Club course.
“When the federation finally chose my farm for the global event, I abandoned my initial idea and fully supported the event,” Hussein said. “It has been a success over the last three editions, attracting top athletes and a competitive prize purse.”
Now in its fourth edition, the Sirikwa Classic, set for Saturday, will be broadcast live on NTV. The event marks the final Gold Tour race in the World Athletics calendar, with the 58th White Cross in Beograd, Serbia, serving as the last Bronze Label tour event before the track and field season kicks off.
Sirikwa Classic is one of only two Gold-label cross-country events in Africa, the other being the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run, which was elevated from Bronze label status last year and took place on December 7.
Hussein, now 66, has remained deeply committed to developing young talent. He established a training camp in his hometown of Kapsabet, Nandi County, to nurture upcoming athletes.
“My experience and success in the sport have allowed me to impart valuable knowledge, techniques, and mentorship to these budding athletes,” he said. “I want them to flourish, and I have dedicated my time and resources to this cause.”
Beyond mentoring, Hussein’s legendary career laid the foundation for Kenyan marathon dominance. He made history in 1987 as the first Black and African runner to win the New York City Marathon, before securing victory in the Boston Marathon in 1988. In Boston, he edged out Tanzania’s Juma Ikangaa in a dramatic photo-finish, clocking 2:08:43.
He went on to secure back-to-back Boston Marathon victories in 1991 (2:11:06) and 1992 (2:08:14). However, his first major marathon triumph came at the 1985 Honolulu Marathon in Hawaii.
Hussein’s journey to marathon greatness took shape while studying at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he also met his wife, Zainab Ibrahim. The couple has five children—Hussein Ibrahim, Farida Ibrahim, Hadija Ibrahim, Jamal Ibrahim, and Warda Ibrahim.
“None of them has taken up running,” he revealed. “Only my first-born used to run in school, but it wasn’t serious.”
As the Technical Director of the Sirikwa Classic, Hussein expects fierce competition in this year’s edition.
“Preparations are in top gear, and we anticipate a strong line-up of local and international elite athletes,” he said.
“The course is in great condition, and this year, we’re introducing a shower station to help athletes cope with the hot weather.”
Hussein also emphasized the importance of cross-country running as a foundation for success in track, road races, and marathons.
“The season usually starts with cross-country events, and those who participate often go on to shine in their disciplines,” he said. “In the 2023 edition, Faith Kipyegon launched her season at the Sirikwa Classic and went on to break three world records before winning her third Olympic title in the 1,500m.”
With the Sirikwa Classic now a cornerstone event in global cross-country racing, Hussein continues to cement his legacy—not just as a marathon legend but as a mentor dedicated to shaping the future of athletics.
