The fourth edition of the Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour delivered thrilling performances at the Lobo Village in Kapsaret, Eldoret, as Reynold Cheruiyot and Purity Chepkurui emerged victorious in the 2km loop race. The event, which attracted over 1,000 athletes from more than 40 nations, showcased elite competition and tested the endurance of runners in the challenging cross-country terrain.
Dominant Performance by Cheruiyot
Reynold Cheruiyot, a former World Under-20 champion and current one-mile world record holder in the U20 category, dominated the men’s 2km race. He crossed the finish line in an impressive 6 minutes and 1 second, demonstrating his speed and stamina. Cheruiyot was closely followed by Phanuel Kosgei, who secured silver in 6 minutes and 2 seconds, while Franklin Mutai claimed bronze with a time of 6 minutes and 4 seconds.
Cheruiyot, reflecting on his victory, expressed confidence in his training regime. “I am responding well to training. So far, I am happy. From here, I will do one weekend meet and then focus on Kip Keino Classic,” he stated, setting his sights on future competitions.
The race saw a major upset as Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who was defending his title from last year, failed to complete the race. His withdrawal left a void in the competition but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of cross-country racing.
Chepkurui Triumphs in Women’s Category
In the women’s 2km loop, Purity Chepkurui put on a stunning display to secure victory. She outsprinted 800m national champion Lillian Odira, clocking 6 minutes and 46 seconds. Odira finished a second behind in 6 minutes and 47 seconds, while Daisilah Jerono Bor completed the podium, finishing in 6 minutes and 48 seconds.
The women’s race also featured a surprising outcome, as double Olympic gold medalist Beatrice Chebet finished a distant 34th. Chebet, known for her dominance in long-distance events, struggled in the fast-paced competition, marking an unexpected result for the seasoned runner.
Global Participation and Future Prospects
With over 1,000 athletes from 40 nations participating, the 2024 Sirikwa Classic once again proved its status as a premier cross-country event. The performances of Cheruiyot and Chepkurui signal a promising season ahead, especially as they prepare for major athletics meets, including the Kip Keino Classic. The competition at Lobo Village not only tested the athletes’ endurance but also set the stage for future stars to rise in the world of cross-country running.
