By Athletics Kenya
Daniel Simiu made it two out of two wins at Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour with victory at the fourth edition in Lobo Village in Eldoret on February 21, 2025.
Simiu clocked 29:57 to clinch first place, ahead of Gideon Rono who came second after running 30:07.
Nicholas Kimeli took the final podium place after timing 30:15.
It was the Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist’s second win in less than a fortnight after triumphing at the National Cross Country Championships at the Eldoret Sports Club.
On that occasion, Simiu timed 30:48.0 to clinch the senior men’s 10km as Nickson Kogei (30:52.6) and Simon Ngatha (30:55.7) came second and third respectively.
How Agnes Jebet performed at Sirikwa Classic
Meanwhile, world record holder Agnes Jebet led from gun to tape to win the senior women’s 10km.
Jebet stopped the timer at 32:42 as African 10,000m champion Janeth Chepng’etich claimed second in 33:52.
Miriam Chebet clocked 34:09 to claim the final podium place.
Speaking after the race, Jebet said the race had gone according to plan.
“I wasn’t under any pressure at the beginning of the race. My plan was to simply do my best…run my race and hope for the best. I am very happy to have won today and it motivates me going forward,” the Valencia Half Marathon champion said.
She reiterated once again that her focus is on performing well in track and field, making amends for the disappointment of missing out on last year’s Paris Olympics.
At the same time, Chepngetich said there is still much work to do for her.
“I thank God so much for today’s result. It was a great performance considering I was running against the elite athletes. My focus is to improve on my speedwork as I prepare for the track and field season,” she said.
Triple Olympic champion – and double world record holder – Faith Kipyegon dropped out of the race in the penultimate lap.
