Absa Bank has announced that is has renewed its sponsorship of the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country with a Ksh. 8 million investment in this year’s edition. This makes them the Title Sponsor for the 2026 edition happening on on Saturday, 14 February 2026, at the Lobo Village, Kapseret, Eldoret.
The globally acclaimed Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, a World Athletics Gold Level Cross Country Tour event, will be returning for its 5th edition.
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 “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. 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.”
On his part, Lt Gen. (Rtd) Jack Tuwei, President, Athletics Kenya said: “Beyond competition, the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country continues to play a vital role in developing young talent, inspiring grassroot 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.
Athletes Confirmed
This year’s event will feature an exceptional lineup of global stars, including:
- Agnes Jebet Ngetich – World Cross Country Champion
- Daniel Simiu Ebenyo – World Cross Country Bronze Medalist
Supported by our visiting guest-stars:
- BeatriceChebet – Two-time World Cross Country Champion
- GeoffreyKamworor – Former New York City Marathon Champion
Their presence underscores the Absa Sirikwa Classic’s status as a premier global cross-country competition and a true celebration of Kenya’s dominance in distance running.
Morning – Youth Races
- 09:00– 13-15 yrs Boys (2km)
- 09:20– 13-15 yrs Girls (2km)
- 10:00 –9-12 yrs Boys (1km)
- 10:10 – 9-12 yrsGirls (1km)
- 10:40 – 5-8 yrsBoys (500m)
- 10:50 – 5-8yrs Girls (500m)
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)
Prize Money
| No. | Elite Race
(USD) |
U20 Race (USD)
|
2 KM Loop Race (USD)
|
|
1 |
6,000
|
1,250 |
2,000 |
|
2 |
5,000 |
1,000 |
1,500 |
|
3 |
4,000 |
800 |
1,000 |
|
4 |
3,000 |
600 |
750 |
|
5 |
2,500 |
400 |
500 |
|
6 |
2,000 |
300 |
400 |
|
7 |
1,500 |
200 |
300 |
|
8 |
1,000 |
200 |
200 |
|
9 |
800 |
200 |
100 |
|
10 |
600 |
200 |
100 |
|
11 |
400 |
|
|
|
12 |
400 |
||
|
13 |
200 |
||
|
14 |
200 |
|
|
|
15 |
200 |