Sirikwa Classic XC: Ebenyo, Anyango creme of the show in senior 10km races

Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and Emmaculate Anyango were the stars of the show at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country World Tour winning the top honours in the men and women’s senior 10 km races respectively.

Anyango defied the punitive conditions to pip Joyceline Jepkosgei and Catherine Reline to the tape, while in the men’s category Ebenyo showed pure grit and class, shrugging off Ishmael Kipkirui and Weldon Lagat to come out first in an event held at the Lebo village in Eldoret Saturday.

 The Kenyan leg of the World Cross Country Tour Gold Level, brought athletics stars from across 17 countries and saw the peerless Ebenyo take victory in 29minutes and16 seconds, ahead of the second-placed World U20 cross country champion Ishmael Kipkurui who finished in 29 minutes 18 seconds.

In the women’s event, debutant Emmaculate Anyango hit the tape first in 32 minutes and 55 seconds ahead of Jepkosei Joyceline and Catherine Reline.

In a post-race interview, Ebenyo expressed his joy noting that he had braced for a win in the race.

“The race was good and the field was fantastic. I had promised myself to do well and I did. I’ve closed the race with huge respect,” said the World 10,000m and half marathon silver medallist.

World 800m silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi displayed a good show to win the 2km mixed relay while Purity Chepkirui battled it to the finish line, outsprinting Mirriam Cherop and Evalyne Chepkoech.

Speaking on behalf of organizers, Barnaba Korir, the race director  praised the championship noting that it played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents.

“Kenya has many athletes with good talent. Through this championship, they get an opportunity to showcase their talent and they earn out of it. I’m happy since our people can now embrace it. The young ones are also encouraged hence ensuring the sprouting of talents.”