Sirikwa Classic Cross Country winners set for improved cash windfall

The winners of the fourth edition of the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country are set to receive a bountiful harvest after organizers promised the highest prize money structure for athletes in this year's edition.

Speaking during the official launch of the event in Eldoret, race director Barnaba Korir noted the compensation scheme is the first in the history of the series. 

"The winners will walk away with one of the highest prize money paid to our athletes in the cross-country series.

“Other cross countries always pay up to number eight, but we decided to pay until the 15th-place finishers," said Korir

He said that the top 15 runners would be awarded, with the winners walking away with Ksh. 780,000, with the under-20 athletes who won the race being awarded Ksh. 162,500.

The senior athletes who finish second and third, respectively, at the cross-country level will be awarded Ksh. 650,000 and Ksh. 520,000.

Those who finish fourth, fifth, and sixth will be awarded Ksh. 390,000, Ksh. 325,000, and Ksh. 260,000, respectively.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.

"Let's respect this country; let's stop doping, gender-based violence, and age manipulation and show a good example to the world," noted Tuwei.

Tuwei said Kenya has applied to host the World Championships in the year 2029.

"We have already appointed the director and a team to start planning for it, but we cannot be doing all this.

“We continue doping and other unnecessary things," added Tuwei.

IOC member Paul Tergat asked the athletes to be disciplined and avert doping, saying it damages the reputation of the country.