Reigning Boston Marathon champion John Korir delivered a surprise victory at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, storming to the senior men’s 10km title in 29:44 in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County on Saturday.

Korir edged Amos Kiprotich (29:46), while Silas Senchura matched Kiprotich’s time to complete the podium. Korir admitted he had not expected to win, noting that he came mainly to test his fitness. Confident his endurance would carry him after 6km, he was pleased to claim victory in his first cross country outing.

In the senior women’s 10km, Agnes Ng’etich successfully defended her title, winning in 32:28 ahead of Mercy Chepkemoi (33:42) and Catherine Reline (33:51). Building on her 32:42 triumph last year and fresh from winning the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Ng’etich said the hot, humid, and windy conditions were challenging, but the home crowd spurred her on. Chepkemoi expressed satisfaction with finishing second behind the world record holder.

Emmanuel Kiprono continued his strong form by winning the men’s Under-20 8km in 23:41. He finished clear of Wesley Kipkoech (24:08) and Edwin Elkana (24:21). Kiprono, recently a world cross country silver medallist behind Frankline Kibet (23:18), with Andrew Alamisi third (23:28), said lessons from that race helped him execute an aggressive tactic in Eldoret. Kipkoech was pleased with second after failing to reel him in.

In the women’s Under-20 race, Venenza Chebet triumphed in 20:28, ahead of Lonah Cherono (20:36) and Cynthia Chepkirui (20:45). Chebet admitted she had expected a lower finish, but surged after sensing her rivals fading. She now targets qualification for next year’s World Cross Country Championships.

World 1,500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot claimed the men’s 2km loop in 5:52, narrowly beating Daniel Munguti (5:53) and Timothy Cheruiyot (5:54). He said the race served as a fitness test and plans to refine his tactics. Munguti and Timothy Cheruiyot both described the competition as intense but encouraging.

In the women’s 2km, 2019 African 800m bronze medallist Naomi Korir won in 6:42, ahead of Judy Kemunto (6:47) and Mercy Chepng’eno (6:54). Korir credited improved speed endurance and determination after finishing fifth last year.

Backed by Ksh8 million from Absa Bank Kenya, the meet offers USD 6,000 for senior winners, with prize money extending to the top 15 and incentives for junior and 2km athletes.