World 10K Record Holder Agnes Jebet Ngetich to Feature in the 2025 ABSA Sirikwa Cross Country
JOSPHAT KEBUT
Kenyan athletics fans are in for an exciting treat at the 2025 ABSA Sirikwa Cross Country, with world 10K record holder and 2023 World Cross Country Championships medalist Agnes Jebet Ngetich confirmed to feature in the race.
Ngetich, who finished 5th at the 2024 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Serbia—where Kenya claimed gold—shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, revealing that it will serve as a launchpad for her 2025 season.
“It’s truly motivating to see so many athletes participating in this event,” Ngetich said.
“I took part when it was known as the Agnes Memorial event, and I’m thrilled to return for the 2025 edition. I hope my involvement will inspire others to pursue their dreams, just as this event once inspired me.”
Beatrice Chebet Reflects on the Impact of the Event
Beatrice Chebet, double Olympic champion and world record holder, also praised the event’s role in shaping athletics in Kenya.
“These events have produced key athletes who have gone on to represent Kenya globally,” Chebet said.
Chebet who also won gold medals at the 2023 and 2024 World Cross Country Championships expressed the role the championship has in shaping athletes and athletics in Kenya.
“I ran in the Agnes Memorial event, and athletes like Faith Kipyegon and Ebenyo participated in this race too. It’s an honor to be here, and I’m thankful for the opportunities this event provides to young athletes.”
The champions spoke at the launch of the ABSA Sirikwa Classic Cross Country event on Wednesday in Lobo Village, Eldoret.
Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Set to Shine
The 2025 Sirikwa Classic Cross Country is set to be bigger and better, with over Kshs. 15 million in prizes up for grabs, thanks to the sponsorship of Kshs. 11 million from ABSA Bank.
This major contribution, along with Kshs. 178 million from the government, promises to make this year’s event one of the most exciting in the history of Kenyan athletics.
Support for Athletes and Fans
Athletics Kenya President, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from both the government and ABSA Bank.
“We deeply appreciate ABSA for their sponsorship,” Tuwei said.
As the event heads into its fourth edition, Tuwei encouraged fans to support the athletes in large numbers, making it a family outing.
“Let’s come out in numbers and encourage our champions,” he urged. “This event is not just for athletes but for all of us to celebrate.”
Looking Ahead: More Events, More Opportunities
Tuwei also highlighted World Athletics’ plan to organize more events, engage more athletes, offer bigger prizes, and enhance fan experiences.
“It’s important that we look into this together and continue to organize events that help our athletes grow and succeed,” he said.
“This will also provide an opportunity to increase our pool of technical officials, which is vital for the future of athletics in Kenya.”
Tuwei also raised concerns about potential challenges, including doping, age cheating, and gender-based violence (GBVs), warning that Kenya’s bid to host the 2029 World Championships in Nairobi could be jeopardized.
“We are investigating cases of age cheating—why should anyone regret the day they were born?” he asked.
ABSA’s Commitment to the Event
Julius Songok, Regional Manager at ABSA Eldoret, confirmed the bank’s increased involvement this year.
“We are here to celebrate athletics and athletes. This year, we are coming in a bigger way than last year as the title sponsor,” Songok said.
“We are proud to rename this event the ‘ABSA Sirikwa World Cross Country’ with a sponsorship of Kshs. 11 million, the largest from the private sector. We hope this will help ensure the success of the event.”
Exciting Prizes and New Categories
Race Director Barnaba announced that over Kshs. 15 million will be up for grabs at this year’s event.
In the senior categories, which will feature elite athletes, the winners will walk away with approximately Ksh 780,000, while second-place finishers will earn Ksh 650,000 and third-place finishers will receive Ksh 520,000.
The Under 20 races will also offer exciting rewards, with the champions receiving Ksh 162,000, while second and third-place finishers will pocket Ksh 130,000 and Ksh 104,000, respectively.
Barnaba also shared that Athletics Kenya’s talent identification camps across the country have helped uncover emerging stars, with athletes from the NOREB region showing keen interest in participating.
“Expectations are high, and we aim to improve the event for both athletes and spectators,” Barnaba said. “This is a build-up for the Road to Tokyo.”
Changes to Improve the Event Experience
Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Technical Director Ibrahim Hussein outlined several key changes to improve the event experience.
“To accommodate the growing number of athletes, we’ve moved the start line 30 meters back, creating a 100-meter opening,” Hussein explained. “Additionally, we’ve borrowed water showers from the Chepsaita Cross Country to ensure better comfort for the athletes.”
Celebrating the Legacy of Kenyan Athletics
National Olympic Committee of Kenya President Paul Tergat expressed his pride in the significance of the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country for the nation.
“Eldoret, the city of champions, has given us immense pride as a nation,” Tergat said.
“Hosting two Gold Label events in our country is an honor. This is an opportunity to continue pushing for more opportunities for our children, helping them explore their potential, and ensuring they can excel in athletics.”
Tergat, who made history by winning five consecutive World Cross Country Championships titles between 1995 and 1999, added:
“It’s an honor to host two Gold Label events in our country. We aim to continue pushing for more opportunities so our kids can explore their potential and achieve greatness.”
As the countdown to the 2025 Sirikwa Classic Cross Country begins, anticipation continues to build. With a generous prize pool and a growing number of athletes, this year’s event promises to be a memorable celebration of Kenyan talent and athleticism.
This event will be LIVE on Kass FM International and Kass TV on 22nd February 2025.
