More than 3,500 children are expected to take part in the fifth edition of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour on February 14 at Lobo Village, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
The event’s Kids Athletics programme will feature races for boys and girls across three age categories: 5–8, 9–12, and 13–15 years.
The surge in participation follows Kenya’s triumph in the World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Day Member Federation Challenge, where the country emerged as the world’s best-performing federation for successfully mobilising children in athletics.
Competition Director Kennedy Tanui said the expanded focus on young athletes reflects a long-term strategy to nurture future champions.
“Kids are the future champions of this country, and they must be nurtured early,” Tanui said. “Last year, about 3,000 children competed. This year, we aim to increase that number to 3,500 to enhance talent growth and make the race even more attractive as we develop tomorrow’s stars.”
Tanui added that Kenya’s global recognition through the Kids Athletics Day Relay underscores the importance of exposing young athletes to structured competition from an early age.
“With Kenya being recognised internationally, it is important for our local kids to gain exposure and compete at a level that prepares them for the world stage,” he said.
To achieve this, organisers plan to partner closely with schools in and around Uasin Gishu County, a rich talent base for athletics. “We have many schools with talented children. Our target is to bring as many kids to the race as possible,” Tanui said.
The Sirikwa Classic is a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold Label event that combines elite international competition with a strong emphasis on grassroots development.
Athletics Kenya President, Jack Tuwei, “The Kids’ Athletics programme in Kenya has become a cornerstone of our grassroots development strategy, playing a vital role in talent identification and instilling a lifelong appreciation for sport and healthy living.”
Lasty year Kenya was named the winner of the Kids’ Athletics Day Member Federation Challenge.
by ANGWENYI GICHANA
