Chepkurui Eyes Sirikwa Classic Title Defense as World Cross Country Tour Returns to Eldoret

Reigning National Under-20 cross country champion Cynthia Chepkurui will be seeking to successfully defend her title at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Championships when the Under-20 women’s race is staged on February 14 at Lobo Village in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

The highly anticipated event forms part of the World Athletics Cross Country Continental Gold Tour, which is entering its fifth edition this year and continues to grow in stature as one of the most competitive cross country circuits in the world. The Sirikwa Classic has firmly established itself as a flagship leg of the tour, drawing elite runners from Kenya and beyond, while also providing a crucial platform for emerging young talent.

Chepkurui is expected to lead a strong Kenyan lineup from the Lemotit Training Camp in Kericho County as athletes battle for top honours in the junior categories. The Kericho-based runner has been one of the standout performers on the local cross country scene over the past year, building an impressive résumé that includes victories at the 2025 Sirikwa Classic, the national cross country championships and the Chepsaita Cross Country.

Her consistent success has marked her out as one of Kenya’s most exciting rising distance-running talents, with many observers tipping her for a smooth transition into senior competition in the coming seasons. The Sirikwa Classic, therefore, presents another opportunity for Chepkurui to showcase her growing maturity and competitiveness on a high-profile stage.

The young athlete heads into the race in strong form after a solid international outing at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, where she finished an impressive fourth against a deep and competitive field. Chepkurui believes that exposure to elite international competition has played a key role in boosting her confidence and sharpening her race execution as she begins her 2026 campaign.

“My body is responding well in training. Since last edition, I have improved on my speed work,” Chepkurui said, expressing optimism ahead of the Eldoret showdown.

She described the Sirikwa Classic as a vital early-season test that helps her assess her fitness levels and race readiness against strong local and international opposition.

“The Sirikwa Classic is a good race for me. It helps to jump-start my season and prepare for other major competitions,” she added.

Chepkurui’s coach, Paul Kemei, echoed her confidence, noting that the athlete has shown remarkable discipline and consistency in training as she prepares to defend her crown. According to Kemei, Chepkurui’s steady progress has been the result of a focused training program and a strong work ethic.

“She has been preparing well for the race and we hope she will deliver good results. She is a hardworking and disciplined athlete who is focused, and we trust that she will do well,” Kemei said.

Kemei added that the Lemotit Training Camp will have a strong presence at the championships, with several of his top young runners entered across different categories. He singled out Miriam Chemutai Kibet, Mercy Chepngeno Mageso and Anatasha Cheptoo Langat as athletes who have shown encouraging form during training sessions and could also make an impact at the event.

“The girls have been training well and are in good shape, and we are hopeful they will perform well at the championship,” he said.

Over the years, the Sirikwa Classic has grown into one of the most important cross country events on the Kenyan athletics calendar. Beyond its status as an international competition, the race has become a crucial development pathway for junior athletes seeking to transition to senior ranks. Strong performances at the event often catch the attention of national selectors and open doors to international assignments.

With its challenging course, high altitude and deep fields, the Eldoret race is widely viewed as an ideal testing ground for young athletes looking to measure themselves against the best. For many, success at Sirikwa serves as a stepping stone toward national team selection and long-term careers at the highest level.

For Chepkurui, a successful defense of her Under-20 title would further enhance her growing reputation and underline her readiness for bigger challenges ahead. As she continues to build experience and confidence, the talented youngster remains firmly focused on long-term progression, with ambitions of making her mark in senior cross country and track competitions in the coming seasons.