The success of the fourth edition of the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Championships at Lobo Village in Uasin Gishu County, has reignited discussions on whether Kenya is ready to host another World Athletics Cross Country Championships.
What began in 2022 as a tribute to the late 2015 world cross country champion, Agnes Tirop, has grown into a prestigious event attracting world-class athletes and over 15,000 fans—an increase from 10,000 last year.
Tirop, the former 10km world record holder, was tragically murdered on October 13, 2021, at her home in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet. Her former fiancée is currently on trial for the crime.
This year’s competition, held on Saturday, saw Agnes Jebet Ng’etich claim her first Absa Sirikwa Classic title in her second attempt, while world 10,000m silver medallist, Daniel Simiu, made history as the first athlete to defend the men’s title.
Daniel Simiu leads the field of senior men's 10km race on his way to victory during the 4th edition of Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour at Lobo Village in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County on February 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Kenya, which last hosted the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in 2007 in Mombasa, has now placed a bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships after losing the 2025 bid to Tokyo, Japan.
World Athletics Deputy President, Jack Tuwei, praised the event’s seamless organisation, emphasising the importance of strong partnerships with sponsors like Absa, media, and support systems.
“The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya and Athletics Integrity Unit operations as far as testing is concerned contribute to the success of the event in addition to the turnout of world-class athletes and fans,” said Tuwei, who is also the Athletics Kenya president.
Agnes Jebet crosses the finish line to win elite women's 10km race during the 4th Edition of Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour at Lobo Village in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County on February 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
He noted that Kenya is the only country in Africa to have two World Athletics Gold labels—Sirikwa Classic Cross Country and the Great Chepsaita Classic Cross Country.
“The world is moving fast, technology is changing fast hence coordination is key. That is why when the world looks at something like this being successful, everyone wants to visit Kenya,” said Tuwei. “We have come a long way and it can only get better.”
Sirikwa Classic Cross Country CEO, Barnaba Korir, revealed that Kenya could explore a bid to host the 2028 World Athletics Cross Country Championships, a year before the World Athletics Championships.
“We could bid for the 2028 event just a year before the World Athletics Championships,” Korir said, expressing confidence in Kenya’s capability.
Faith Kipyegon competes in the elite women's 10km race at the 4th Edition of Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour at Lobo Village in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County on February 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Korir also highlighted the participation of over 900 children in age-group races (five to 15 years), as a major highlight of this year’s event.
“The best approach to develop athletics is through kids’ athletics, which nurtures talent across the board in running and field events,” he said, adding that World Athletics has emphasised youth development, prompting Athletics Kenya to train teachers in various disciplines.
Absa Bank Consumer Banking Director, Moses Muthui, emphasised the power of sports in bringing people together.
“There is no other unifying factor in the country than sports,” Muthui said. “There is no other passionate space to be in sports than athletics, and Sirikwa Classic makes it special. The elite athletes’ participation, kids’ athletics, and community involvement make it holistic. Absa is about empowering and elevating people besides telling their stories,” he added.
Triple 1,500m Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon (left) and the 10km world record holder Agnes Chebet, during the Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour pre-race press conference in Eldoret City on February 21, 2025.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
With the growing success of the Sirikwa Classic, Kenya’s ambition to host another global cross country event is gaining momentum, setting the stage for an exciting bid in the coming years.
