Top Kenyan Athletes Confirm Participation in 2026 ABSA Sirikwa Classic
Sponsors have stepped up contributions, providing KSh 8 million to increase prize money and improve overall organisation, offering stronger incentives for top performances.
The official launch, graced by two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, underscored the event’s growing significance. Photo/Achieng Kemuma
By Achieng Kemuma
Kenya’s World Cross Country champion Agnes Jebet Ngetich and men’s bronze medallist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo have confirmed their participation in the 2026 ABSA Sirikwa Classic, which will be held at Lobo Village in the Kapseret area of Uasin Gishu County in Eldoret on February 14.
Now in its 5th year, the Sirikwa Classic is a World Athletics Gold Label event, a title that adds weight to Uasin Gishu County’s position as a global athletics centre. The event is expected to bring international and local athletes of all categories, senior and junior, with a strong emphasis on talent identification, youth development, and clean sport promotion.
From the official launch attended by two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, it has become evident that the stature of the race is growing. Ebenyo remarked that the Sirikwa Classic is among those events that help in his preparation for major international championships and that he encourages the challenge to young athletes to give it all and approach it professionally.
Robert Kemei, the Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member for Sports and Youth Affairs, praised the partnership between the county government and Athletics Kenya for aiding the development of grassroots talent. The Gold Label status has given the event enhanced visibility on the global scale.
Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei attributed the recognition of the race to Kenya’s sustained excellence at the international stage and commitment to fair competition and cited President William Ruto as a supporter. He has also revealed that sponsors have pumped in KSh 8 million toward the prize money and organization of the event, creating stronger incentives for exceptional performances.
ABSA Sirikwa Classic remains a pillar in the distance running legacy of Kenya, blending elite competition with incredible opportunities for the aspiring athlete preparing for global championships.
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