By Robert Kibet for Kids Athletics
Valentine’s Day at the iconic The Lobo Village was more than a celebration of love; it was a showcase of Kenya’s next generation of distance runners. From toddlers taking their first competitive steps to teenagers mastering tactical racing, the fifth Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country proved the country’s youth running pipeline is thriving.
Tiloa Training Camp Girls Lead 13–15 Podium Sweep
In the 13–15 years girls’ category, Tiloa Training Camp in Kuresoi North, South Rift, dominated with a clean podium sweep. Dorcas Chepngetich captured gold in 6:56.9, Sheila Chepkoech followed in 6:57.2 for silver, and Gloria Chebagogo took bronze in 7:09.5. For Gloria, this medal adds to a remarkable junior career: bronze at the 2024 Great Chepsaita Cross Country, gold at the 2025 Chepsaita Cross Country, and now a podium finish at Sirikwa Classic.
"I want to become the next Faith Kipyegon. Watching her run inspires me, and I hope to follow her footsteps to represent Kenya at the highest level," Gloria said after the race.
In the boys’ 13–15 category, Ezron Murgok surged ahead to win in 6:21.6, followed by Abraham Kipkoros (6:25.8) and Caleb Kiptoo (6:27.4). Fourth and fifth went to Asbel Kipkemboi (6:35.8) and Dennis Kirui, highlighting the depth of Kenya’s young male distance runners.
Barnaba Korir, Athletics Kenya’s Youth Development Programme manager, praised the level of competition: “At this age, it’s not just about winning. Our Junior Holiday Camps, hosted in over 50 public institutions, provide structured coaching, mentoring, and safeguarding. Competitions like Sirikwa prepare young athletes for under-20 events and eventually senior international competitions.”
9–12 Years: Rising Stars Take the Hills
The 9–12 years category offered thrilling racing across both genders. In the boys’ race, Elkanah Kiprotich (6:49.1) claimed gold, narrowly beating Evans Kipkorir (6:53.4) and Abraham Kipchirchir (6:54.1). Close behind, Collins Kiprop (6:56.8) and Titus Kiprotich (7:00.6) completed the top five.
The girls’ 9–12 category also showcased emerging talent. Shirleen Chepkemoi led the field in 7:16.8, followed by Mercy Chepkorir (7:17.3) and Faith Chepkoech (7:32.5). These results signal a growing pool of competitive young athletes ready to progress into the 13–15 and under-20 categories.
Korir emphasized the value of early exposure: “Introducing children to structured races at this age builds discipline, focus, and a love for running. These competitions, combined with our youth camps, lay the foundation for future national and international champions.”
5–8 Years: First Steps to Greatness
Even the youngest runners showed remarkable enthusiasm and potential. In the 5–8 years boys’ race, Elvis Kipkorir (2:38.2) led the field, followed by Victor Kipngetich (2:43.4) and Collins Kipkoech (2:44.2). For the girls, Abigael Chepkemoi (2:43.1) topped the race, with Faith Chepkoech (2:50.3) and Caren Chepkoech (2:52.2) completing the podium.
“These events give young children their first taste of competitive racing,” Korir said. “It’s about fun, learning, and building confidence, but also identifying talent early so that we can support them as they grow into elite athletes.”
Building Kenya’s Next Generation of Champions
The fifth edition of the Sirikwa Classic drew more than 3,500 children, highlighting the explosive growth of youth running in Kenya. From Tiloa Training Camp’s clean sweep to the tightly contested boys’ races, the event demonstrated that Kenya’s athletics future is in safe hands.
Korir also reflected on regional competition: “Uganda and Ethiopia are heavily investing in early talent development through schools and government programmes. Healthy rivalry drives us to continually improve our youth programmes.”
With structured coaching, mentoring, and regular competition, Kenya’s youngest athletes are gaining the experience and confidence to transition smoothly from the playground to national and international racing circuits. For athletes like Gloria Chebagogo, Elkanah Kiprotich, and Abigael Chepkemoi, the Sirikwa Classic is more than a race; it is the first step on a journey toward the world stage.
From toddlers taking their first competitive strides to teenagers mastering tactical racing, the rolling hills of Lobo Village showcased that Kenya’s legacy of distance running will continue for generations to come.
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