Ebenyo, Jebet claim 2025 Sirikwa Classic Cross Country title

World 10,000m and Half Marathon silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo and 10km world record holder Agnes Jebet claimed the fourth edition of Sirikwa Classic Cross Country tour in Eldoret.

Ebenyo clocked 29:57 as Gideon Rono came second with 30:07 and Nicholas Kipkorir closing the podium at 30:15.

Ebenyo said the race was not easy considering the hard loop: "I'm happy to have defended my title and ended the cross country. I will focus on the Seoul Marathon next month on the 16th and I'm hopeful I will do well," noted Ebenyo.

Jebet emerged the winner after crossing the line at 32:42 Janeth Chepng'etich came second clocking 32:52 and Miriam Chebet closed the podium in the third position at 34:09 a race that saw world champion Faith Kipyegon drop midway.

Excited Jebet noted that the race was not easy due to the high temperatures.

"It was my first time running with Faith, she's my mentor and I felt good running with her today," said Jebet.

She said being in the same race with Kipyegon was the best thing in her sports career.

"We are both World Record holders but each one of us was running her own race," added Jebet.

Chepsaita and National championships winner Kelvin Kiprop triumphed at under 20 men's category after finishing at 24:24.

Frankline Kibet clocked 24:27 and Festus Kimorwo finished third at 24:27.

Kiprop said he was happy he has been consistent this season. "I am happy to have been consistent this season. Winning at Iten gave me confidence in my training program. Because there were very many talented athletes I now have Chepsaita, National and Sirikwa titles under my belt.

I'm now focusing in the 1,500m and 5,000m to ensure that I make to the world championships competing with seniors is not easy," said Kiprop.

Cynthia Chepkirui secured the U20 6km women title after finishing at 20:37. She was followed in the second position by Joyline Jepkemoi and Diana Chepkemoi finished third.

Jepkemoi noted that she has improved tremendously. "I started my season where I finished position in 6, from there my performance has steadily improved and I am happy. I will focus on qualifying for the Africa Championships in the 1,500m and 5,000m. It's going to be a tricky season for me because I'm a form four candidate at AIC Cheptonon, Nandi County," said Jepkemoi.