The fourth edition of the Absa Sirikwa Classic World
Cross-Country continental Tour, a Gold Label event, is set to take place on
February 22 at Lobo Village in Eldoret. It was officially launched and unveiled
Absa bank as the title sponsor.
Speaking at the event, Race director Barnabas Korir said the
previous editions of this prestigious event have been thrilling, featuring
exceptional performances from both local and international athletes.
“This year, we are eager to build on that momentum and
anticipate an even more exciting competition. We are delighted to confirm the
participation of top foreign athletes alongside our celebrated elite and
emerging local talent.” Said Korir
The race will also feature kids’ categories, providing an
excellent platform for nurturing young athletes and further enhancing Athletics
Kenya's Kids Development Program.
Announcing the
sponsorship of 11 million, the bank’s regional manager, Julius Songok, said that athletes are
the epitome of the Kenyan story.
“It is through
stories of our athletes like Eliud Kipchoge that we are inspired and want to
relate with such stories. We believe every story matters and this has been
demonstrated by our athletes. We have a long-term role to support sports
because of the role it plays in the society,” Songok said.
He added the
bank’s commitment to growing sports in the country as has been their norm for
so many years.
“It is for this
reason we have decided to once again partner with Athletics Kenya and the
government. We are coming back in a bigger than previously,” he said.
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| Display of Sirikwa medals |
Head of technical Ibrahim Hussein affirmed that preparations
are 90 percent complete with a week left until the event.
Hussein explains that there are some changes to the course,
they have removed some obstacles and replaced them with more friendly ones to
athletes.
He said they will erect a VIP area, finish area, there will
be a podium and a media center. There will be entertainment on the course, we
have added showers and deep shallow water to cool the athletes as they pass by
since we have hot weather.
" The athletes who participated in past editions were
not comfortable. Now we removed a steeple-chase obstacle and water jump and
replaced it with other obstacles which will spice up the event." Said
Hussein, who is also technical director.
According to Hussein, the designers of the course are keen
to produce a thrilling event in which a 2km meandering loop will have tents
which runners will run through as spectators cheer them from each side.
"We have maintained two artificial hills,uphill and
downhill stretches as well a s muddy puddles are some of the
characteristics of the course that athletes should expect to tackle.” added
Hussein.
The event was graced by AK president Jackson Tuwei,
NOCK President Paul Tergat, IOC Refugee program manager Gozalo bario,
World Athletic senior program manager Alice Annibal and Double Olympic
medallist Beatrice chebet and World record holder 10k Agnes Jebet Ngetich