Eyes on Chepkirui as she plots title defense at Sirikwa Classic
- Created by Jeff Olubuyi
- Athletics
On Saturday, the focus shifts back to domestic competition, where familiar rivals will once again test her resolve.
Reigning African Under-18 champion in 3,000m race Cynthia Chepkirui will be aiming to defend her Under-20 title at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country when she lines up against a strong field on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
At the 2025 Sirikwa edition, Chepkirui delivered a commanding performance, clocking 20:37 to claim victory. Joyline Chepkemoi finished second in 20:40, while Diana Chepkemoi completed the podium in 20:50. That decisive win marked the beginning of a dominant 2025 cross-country campaign for the rising distance star.
Chepkirui carried her fine form into the National Championships at Eldoret Sports Club last October, where she stormed to victory in the U-20 race in 20:38. Miriam Kibet (20:49) and Lonah Cherono (21:00) trailed behind as Chepkirui once again underlined her status as the athlete to beat in her age category.
Her national victory secured her a place on Team Kenya for the World Cross Country Championships held on January 10, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida. Competing against the world’s best, Chepkirui narrowly missed out on her first international podium, finishing fourth in the women’s U-20 6km race in 19:22.
She followed Ethiopia’s Marta Alemayo, who claimed gold in 18:52, Wosane Asefa, who took silver in 19:18, and Uganda’s Charity Cherop, who secured bronze in 19:19. Despite missing the podium, Chepkirui’s performance confirmed her growing reputation on the global stage.
On Saturday, the focus shifts back to domestic competition, where familiar rivals will once again test her resolve. Chief among them is Miriam Kibet, who also represented Kenya in Tallahassee and finished 11th in 20:00. Kibet will be eager to close the gap after finishing behind Chepkirui at the national championships.
Lonah Cherono, the reigning African School Games 3,000m champion, adds further depth to the field and will be looking to challenge for top honours. Meanwhile, last year’s Sirikwa podium finishers, Joyline Chepkemoi and Diana Chepkemoi, return determined to improve on their previous results.
With a proven record both locally and internationally, Chepkirui enters the Sirikwa Classic as the athlete to beat. However, in a race stacked with talent and ambition, defending her crown will require another commanding display.
