The rolling hills of Eldoret are set to tremble this Saturday. In a massive coup for local athletics fans, reigning Boston Marathon champion John Korir has confirmed he will light up the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour, bringing world-class stardust to the home of champions.

It is a rare treat to see a marathon titan of Korir’s caliber muddying his spikes on home soil. The 29-year-old, currently ranked as the eighth-fastest marathoner in history, is using the Valentine’s Day showdown as a critical sharpener for his title defense in Boston this April. His presence elevates the Sirikwa Classic from a national event to a global spectacle.

From Valencia to Eldoret

Korir is in imperious form. He last competed in the Valencia Marathon on December 7, 2025, where he decimated the field to win in a blistering personal best of 2:02:24. That victory cemented his status as the man to beat. Now, he trades the tarmac for the gruelling grassy loops of the Lobo Village in Eldoret.

"I want to test my legs where it all began," Korir said. "Cross country is the foundation of all distance running." His entry has sent ripples of excitement—and fear—through the field. While he is known for his endurance over 42 kilometers, his raw speed and power make him a formidable threat over the cross-country distance.

• The Competition: Korir won't have it all his own way. He faces a hungry pack of domestic talent, including former World U20 cross-country champion Ishmael Rokitto, who is fresh off a second-place finish at the Belgrade Indoor Meeting. The clash between the marathon king and the cross-country specialists promises fireworks.
• Global Context: The race serves as a Gold level event on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour, meaning valuable ranking points and prize money are on the line. But for the fans in Eldoret, it’s about bragging rights.

The Road to Boston Starts Here

For Korir, Saturday is more than just a race; it is a statement of intent. By choosing to compete in the unforgiving altitude of Eldoret rather than a lucrative European road race, he is signaling his readiness to dominate 2026. As the crowds gather at Lobo Village, they will be witnessing a master at work.

The Sirikwa Classic has always been a proving ground for future stars. This year, with Korir on the start line, it becomes a coronation for a current king. The gun goes off this Saturday—don't blink.