-The event will be in its 5th edition on Saturday, 14 February 2026, at the Lobo Village, Kapseret, Eldoret.
-It will once again attract the World’s best athletes, rising young talents, and grassroots runners, all competing on Eldoret’s iconic high-altitude terrain.
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Absa Bank Kenya has renewed its sponsorship of the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country with a Ksh. 8 million investments in this year’s edition, becoming the Title Sponsor for the 2026 edition.
The globally acclaimed Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, a World Athletics Gold Level Cross Country Tour event, returns for its 5th edition on Saturday, 14 February 2026, at the Lobo Village, Kapseret, Eldoret.
Now firmly established as one of the most prestigious cross-country meetings on the international calendar, the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country continues to grow in stature-bigger, more competitive, and more inclusive than ever before.
The 2026 edition will once again attract the world’s best athletes, rising young talents, and grassroots runners, all competing on Eldoret’s iconic high-altitude terrain.
Absa Bank Kenya’s Head of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Charles Wokabi, said the Bank’s continued investment reaffirms its commitment to nurturing athletic excellence and Kenya’s rich athletics prowess.
“Through sport, we are able to unlock human potential, inspire communities, and create pathways for young athletes to turn talent into sustainable careers, while showcasing Kenya’s rich athletics heritage to the world,” said Wokabi.
“This is why we are committed to ensuring that our seven-year partnership with Athletics Kenya remains strong to deepen talent development by enhancing the quality and competitiveness of our local meets and creating sustainable platforms like the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country that create growth pathways into the global stage for our athletes,” he added.
Athletics Kenya President Lt Gen. (Rtd) Jack Tuwei said, “Beyond competition, the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country continues to play a vital role in developing young talent, inspiring grassroots participation and positioning Eldoret and Kenya as the global home of distance running.”
With live broadcast coverage, International media presence and thousands of spectators expected, the 5th, edition promises a thrilling showcase of endurance, speed and athletic excellence.
GLOBAL STARTS EXPECTED;
Agnes Jebet Ngetich-World Cross Country Champion, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo-World Cross Country Bronze Medalist.
VISITING GUEST STARS;
Beatrice Chebet-Two-time World Cross Country Champion, Geoffrey Kamworor-Former New York City Marathon Champion.
EVENT PROGRAM;
Saturday, 14 February, 2026.
Morning-Youth Races.
09:00-13-15 years Boys (2km), 09:20-13-15 years Girls (2km), 10:00-9-12 years Boys (1km), 10:10-9-12 years Girls (1km), 10:40-5-8 years Boys (500m), 10:50-5-8 years Girls (500m).
Award Ceremonies & Cultural Entertainment.
Midday & Afternoon-Championship Races.
12:10-Elite Women (2km Loop Race), 12:30-Elite Men (2km Loop Race), 13:15-U20 Women (6km), 13:45-U20 Men (8km), 14:25-Elite Men (10km), 15:10-Elite Women (10km).
Award Ceremonies & Official Closing Ceremony.
SIGNIFICANT PRIZE MONEY ON OFFER;
The Sirikwa Classic Cross Country boasts one of the most attractive prize money structures on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour, rewarding excellence across elite, U20, and loop races.
Elite Race Prize Money (USD).
1st-$6,000, 2nd-$5,000, 3rd-$4,000, 4th-$3,000, 5th-$2,500, 6th-$2,000, 7th-$1,500, 8th-$1,000, 9th-$800.
10th-$600, 11th, -12th, -$400, 13th, -15th, -$200
U20 Race Prize Money (USD);
1st-$1,250, 2nd-$1,000, 3rd-$800, 4th-$600, 5th-$400, 6th-$300, 7th, -10th-$200.
2km Loop Race Prize Money (USD):
1st-$2,000, 2nd-$1,500, 3rd-$1,000, 4th-$750, 5th-$500, 6th-$400, 7th-$300, 8th-$200, 9th, -10th, -$100.
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