Reynold Cheruiyot on his way to winning the 2km loop men in the 2026 Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country. Photo credit: Absa Sirikwa Classic organizer

ELDORET, Kenya – Reynold Cheruiyot Kipkorir and Naomi Korir delivered commanding performances to win the men’s and women’s 2km loop races at the fifth edition of the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting staged at high altitude in Lobo Village.

In the men’s race, Cheruiyot edged a fiercely competitive field in 5:52, holding off Kyumbe Munguti by a single second in one of the tightest finishes of the day. Timothy Cheruiyot followed closely in 5:54, with Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi just behind in 5:55, only three seconds separating the top four.

The pace was aggressive from the start, the compact 2km format leaving no room for conservative tactics. Cheruiyot positioned himself alertly near the front as the field stretched over the undulating terrain and barriers. Munguti matched him stride for stride through the decisive final kilometer before the winner produced a sharp closing acceleration to seal victory.

“I wanted to test my strength early in the season, and I’m happy with the win. The pace was strong, but I stayed patient and finished well.” said Reynold in a post-race interview.

Behind the leading quartet, Duncan Waweru (5:57) and Amason Kireu (5:58) broke six minutes, while Domenic Krop hit 6:00 exactly. Shadrack Kipngetich (6:01), Noah Koech (6:05) and Edwin Kiplagat Kiprono (6:05) rounded out a deep and competitive top ten.

For Reynold Cheruiyot, known primarily for his 1500m credentials, the victory signals strong early-season form as he transitions from endurance groundwork toward track sharpening. His composure under pressure and decisive finishing speed suggest he is well on course for a major 2026 campaign.

In a post-race interview, Timothy Cheruiyot said“ It was a competitive race, especially this early in the year. I’m building step by step, and this gives me confidence for the season ahead.”

Earlier, the women’s 2km contest saw Naomi Korir assert her authority in 6:42, opening her season with a confident five-second win over Judy Kemunto (6:47). Mercy Chepng’eno Koskei secured third place in 6:54 after a tightly contested battle that saw three athletes clock identical times for the minor placings.

Korir, who owns a personal best of 1:59 over 800m, translated her middle-distance speed effectively onto grass. After settling among the leaders in the early stages, she gradually built separation over the demanding sections of the course, maintaining rhythm over the barriers before controlling the finish.

“This is my first competition of the year, and I’m happy to start with a win,” Korir said. “I’m using this race as build-up for the season.”

Kemunto ran a composed race for second, while Chepng’eno demonstrated both promise and resilience in claiming third. The young athlete acknowledged the hills as her main challenge and indicated she will focus on strength work moving forward as she targets Youth Olympic pathways. Recently crowned 300m champion at her school championships, Chepng’eno continues to balance cross country with sprint development and recently signed a NIL deal with sportswear brand ON — a reflection of her growing profile.

Abigael Chemutai (6:54), Faith Chebet (6:54) and Mercy Chepsoyo (6:55) followed in rapid succession, underscoring the depth in the women’s field. Joyce Jepkogei Biwot (7:01), Evalyne Wambui (7:04), Emmily Jerop (7:08) and Mary Nyaruai Ekiru (7:09) completed the top ten.

As a Gold Label fixture, the Sirikwa Classic continues to provide a crucial early-season benchmark. At altitude and on a course that rewards strength as much as speed, the 2km loop once again offered clear indicators of athletes ready to transition from cross country conditioning to track ambitions.

If the margins are any indication — one second separating the top two men and five seconds covering the women’s podium — the 2026 season promises compelling rivalries ahead.

Men’s 2km Loop – Top 10

1. Reynold Cheruiyot Kipkorir – 5:52

2. Kyumbe Munguti – 5:53

3. Timothy Cheruiyot – 5:54

4. Emmanuel Wanyonyi – 5:55

5. Duncan Waweru – 5:57

6. Amason Kireu – 5:58

7. Domenic Krop – 6:00

8. Shadrack Kipngetich – 6:01

9. Noah Koech – 6:05

10. Edwin Kiplagat Kiprono – 6:05

Women’s 2km Loop – Top 10

1. Naomi Korir – 6:42

2. Judy Kemunto – 6:47

3. Mercy Chepng’eno Koskei – 6:54

4. Abigael Chemutai – 6:54

5. Faith Chebet – 6:54

6. Mercy Chepsoyo – 6:55

7. Joyce Jepkogei Biwot – 7:01

8. Evalyne Wambui – 7:04

9. Emmily Jerop – 7:08

10. Mary Nyaruai Ekiru – 7:09