Cynthia Chepkurui sets sights on retaining Sirikwa Classic X-Country crown

With the World Athletics Cross Country Continetal Gold Tour entering its 5th edition, Chepkurui will be leading her compatriots from Lemotit Training camp in Kericho County for the medals chase.

With her rich cross country dominance, winning the Sirikwa title in 2025, national title as well as Chepsaita, the Kericho-based runner, is regarded as one of Kenya’s rising distance-running talents and heads into the race in strong form following a solid international outing.

Fresh from finishing fourth at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahasse Florida, in the USA, Chepkurui believes that competing at the top level internationally has boosted her confidence as she begins her 2026 season.

“My body is responding well in training. Since last edition, I have improved on my speed work,” Chepkurui said.

She said the Sirikwa Classic plays a key role in her racing calendar, describing it as an important early-season test that helps to assess her fitness against strong local and international competition.

“The Sirikwa Classic is a good race for me. It helps to jump-start my season and prepare for other major competitions,” she said.

Chepkurui’s coach, Paul Kemei, said the young athlete has been preparing well and is ready to defend her crown, adding that her discipline and consistency in training have been key to her steady progress.

“She has been preparing well for the race and we hope she will deliver good results. She is a hardworking and disciplined athlete who is focused and we trust that she will do well,” Kemei said.

Kemei added that his training group will also be strongly represented at the championships, with several of his top young runners entered in different categories.

Among those set to compete are Miriam Chemutai Kibet, Mercy Chepngeno Mageso and Anatasha Cheptoo Langat, athletes he said have also shown encouraging form in training.

“The girls have been training well and are in good shape, and we are hopeful they will perform well at the championship,” Kemei said.

The race has established itself as a key platform for developing young Kenyan talent while also attracting elite international runners.

It is widely viewed as an important pathway for junior athletes seeking to transition to senior competition, with strong performances often leading to selection for international events.

For Chepkurui, a successful defense would further strengthen her profile as one of Kenya’s most promising Under-20 runners and reinforce her ambitions to progress to the senior ranks in the coming seasons.