Sirikwa Classic 2026 Returns to Lobo: Defending Champions Lead Africa’s Elite Field
Kenya’s Gold Label Cross-Country Race Brings Global Athletes, Youth Development, and Sports Tourism to the Highlands: Sirikwa Classic Cross Country
This Valentine’s Day, the rolling hills and scenic lakes of Lobo, Uasin Gishu County, will host the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross-Country, one of the most anticipated races on the international athletics calendar. Now in its fifth edition, the competition has earned World Athletics Gold Label status for the third time, attracting top distance runners from across Africa and the world, participating in the sirikwa classic cross country.
Kennedy Tanui, the competition director said the event is more than a race—it is a celebration of African athletic heritage.
The sirikwa classic cross country event symbolizes unity and the spirit of competition among athletes.
“Sirikwa is about excellence. We are hosting an international competition in the very cradle of athletics, showcasing Africa’s talent and hospitality to the world,” Tanui said.
Defending Champions Set the Pace
The 2026 edition will feature defending champions and emerging stars, including Daniel Simiu, last year’s senior men’s champion, and Agnes Ngetich, the women’s 10km world record holder. Both athletes are returning to defend their titles, bringing experience, speed, and a sense of legacy to the event.
For Simiu, Sirikwa is more than a competition—it is a personal and emotional journey:
“Sirikwa means a lot to me. It’s not an easy race, and that’s exactly why it matters. Every time I line up, I’m reminded of where I come from and the hard work behind every step. The pain, the crowd, the course — they all bring out something deeper in me. I come back because this race shapes me, not just as an athlete, but as a person.”
He added: “With the quality of athletes here, Sirikwa becomes a test of the heart as much as the legs. You must stay patient when it hurts, fight for position when it’s uncomfortable, and still believe in yourself at the end. In moments like that, it’s not just about speed — it’s about courage and the will to keep pushing when everyone else is suffering.”
For young athletes, Sirikwa is a beacon of hope: “It shows them that big dreams can start at home. When they see us compete with passion and pride, they learn that discipline, faith, and patience can carry them far. This event reminds us that cross country is the foundation of Kenyan running, and that the future is bright.”
Middle-distance star Emmanuel Wanyonyi, an Olympic 800m medalist, will compete in the newly introduced 2km loop, giving middle-distance athletes a chance to showcase their speed and endurance.
Africa’s Stage for Global Competition
The race draws participants from 14 nationalities, including Ethiopia, Uganda, the United States, China, and Israel. The largest prize purse in cross-country history will be on offer, with winners in the senior categories taking home KSh 750,000 (USD 6,000).
Lobo’s high-altitude terrain, scenic lakes, and natural trails provide a challenging test while giving spectators a spectacular visual experience. The venue, next to Eldoret International Airport and connected by new roads, ensures global accessibility for athletes and fans.
The event also drives sports tourism in the North Rift region, with visitors last year spending close to KSh 1 billion over the race weekend. Organisers expect thousands of athletes, support staff, and fans to travel across Eldoret, Iten, and surrounding towns.
Beyond the Finish Line: Legacy and Community
Sirikwa blends elite competition with youth development. Children as young as five years old will take part in developmental and fun runs, aligned with Athletics Kenya and World Athletics’ youth athlete framework.
“Everyone who finishes will receive a flower,” Tanui said, underscoring the festive atmosphere that makes the event unique, especially on Valentine’s Day.
Backed by Absa, the Kenya Sports Fund, Coca-Cola, and Athletics Kenya, the Sirikwa Classic meets World Athletics’ highest technical standards and will be broadcast globally, offering fans everywhere a chance to witness Africa’s finest distance runners in action.
“Sirikwa is not just about medals and money,” Tanui said. “It is about inspiring young talent, celebrating Africa’s dominance, and showing the world what Kenyan athletics stands for.”
