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| AK President Jack Tuwei and Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Race Director Barnaba Korir flanked by athletes Beatrice Chebet and Agnes Ng'etich during the launch. |
Now in its fourth edition, the event will take place on February 22, 2025, at the Lobo village in Uasin Gishu County, bringing together both youth and senior athletes. Barnaba Korir, the Athletics Kenya (AK) Youth Development Director and race director, emphasized the importance of involving young athletes in such high-profile events, as it offers them a platform to hone their skills and gain invaluable experience.
"Having kids participate in events like the Absa Sirikwa Classic is crucial for their development. It gives them an opportunity not only to showcase their talents but also to learn from seasoned athletes. Watching the elite runners in action will undoubtedly be an inspiring experience for the young participants, motivating them to push harder and dream bigger," said Korir. "It’s not just about the competition, it's about creating an environment where these kids can see what is possible through hard work and dedication."
Korir also pointed out that such experiences offer significant developmental value for the children, with the potential to ignite a lifelong passion for athletics. "It’s an invaluable experience for the kids to be in the same space as their role models, cheering them on, and envisioning their own journey to greatness."
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| AK President Jack Tuwei, Noc-K President Paul Tergat and AK Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir during the launch of Sirikwa Classic World Athletics Cross Country Tour in Eldoret. |
The event will feature several categories for children: a 500m race for ages 5-8, a 1km race for ages 9-12, and a 2km race for ages 13-16, with both boys and girls participating. There will also be senior categories including a 6km race for U20 women, an 8km race for U20 men, and 10km races for both senior women and men.
In his remarks, Athletics Kenya (AK) President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jack Tuwei highlighted the organization's commitment to nurturing the country’s future champions through various development programs. "The success of Kenya's elite athletes has been built on a strong foundation, and we are committed to ensuring that our young talents are given the resources and platforms they need to excel. I’m particularly pleased that this year’s event will again give children the chance to showcase their athletic abilities. It's an important step in shaping the next generation of athletes," said Tuwei.
Paul Tergat, President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of more opportunities for young athletes. "It’s where it all begins for so many of our top athletes—competing in local races and running with passion all the way to school. We need more events like the Absa Sirikwa Classic, which provide our children with a chance to compete and showcase their talents," said Tergat. "These events are the breeding grounds for our future stars."
Korir also announced that prizes would be awarded to the children participating in the race, further incentivizing them and recognizing their hard work.
Through these initiatives, Kenya continues to nurture its rich talent pool, with many athletes rising from grassroots competitions to international stardom.
