Reigning World Cross Country champion Agnes Ngetich and bronze medalist Daniel Simiu headline a galaxy of stars descending on Lobo Village for the fifth edition of the Gold Tour event.

The red earth of Lobo Village in Kapseret is set to tremble once again. On February 14, 2026, the quiet outskirts of Eldoret—affectionately known as the "City of Champions"—will transform into a global coliseum of endurance as the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour returns for its fifth edition. With the scent of eucalyptus in the air and the weight of expectation on their shoulders, Kenya’s finest are preparing to defend their turf against the world.

This is not just another race; it is a statement of intent. Coming fresh off her historic victory at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, Agnes Jebet Ngetich has confirmed she will defend her Sirikwa title. She will be joined by the relentless Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, a man whose stride is as recognizable as his determination, who is chasing a historic hat-trick of victories on this punishing course.

"A Test of Guts and Glory"

The Sirikwa Classic, now a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold event, has rapidly cemented its status as one of the toughest races on the planet. Speaking at the media launch in Eldoret, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge emphasized the critical role of cross country in building an athlete's foundation. "Cross country is the school of athletics," Kipchoge remarked. "It teaches you pain, it teaches you tactics, and it prepares you for the track and the road. To see athletes of this caliber returning to Lobo is a testament to the quality of this event."

For Daniel Simiu, the race is personal. "The Sirikwa Classic has grown to be one of the most respected races in the country," he said, his eyes fixed on the prize. "It challenged me and prepared me for greater success globally. Winning here twice was sweet; winning a third time would be legendary."

• The Stakes: Winners of the senior elite races will walk away with USD 6,000 (approx. KES 900,000), a significant purse that highlights the event's commercial growth.
• The Field: Beyond Ngetich and Simiu, the start list reads like a who's who of distance running, with rumors of Ugandan and Ethiopian rivals crossing the border to spoil the party.
• The Legacy: The event honors the 'Sirikwa' heritage of the region, blending cultural pride with sporting excellence.

Economic Gold for the North Rift

Beyond the finish line tape, the Sirikwa Classic is an economic engine for Uasin Gishu County. Hotels in Eldoret are already reporting near-full bookings, and local traders are stocking up for the influx of thousands of spectators. In a country where sports tourism is often an afterthought, the North Rift is showing the way. "We are not just running," observed Race Director Ibrahim Hussein. "We are building an ecosystem where talent meets opportunity, and where our local economy thrives on the sweat of our champions."

As Valentine’s Day approaches, all roads lead to Lobo Village. For the fans, it is a spectacle; for the athletes, it is war. As Simiu put it, "When we line up, we are not just running for ourselves. We are running for the flag."