Kipyegon pulls out of Sirikwa Classic as Ng’etich and Ebenyo reign supreme
Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon was forced to withdraw from the 2025 Sirikwa Classic 10km race in Eldoret on Saturday, citing fatigue, as Agnes Jebet Ng’etich and Daniel Ebenyo claimed victory in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively.
Agnes Jebet Ng’etich, the 10km road race world record holder, produced a dominant performance to win the women’s race in 32 minutes and 42 seconds. She outpaced a strong field, including Janeth Chepng’etich and Miriam Chebet, who finished second and third with times of 33:52 and 34:09, respectively.
Speaking after her victory, Ng’etich admitted she had not expected to win, given the tough competition and unfavourable weather conditions. “The race was very competitive, with elite athletes in the lineup, and the weather was also unfavorable. I thank God for enabling me to win because I wasn’t even expecting it,” she said.
Meanwhile, Faith Kipyegon, making her first competitive appearance of the season, struggled with the hot and dusty conditions. The three-time Olympic 1,500m champion, who won last year’s Sirikwa Classic 10km race, started strong but slowed down after three laps. Eventually, she dropped out of the race and took a seat near her daughter, opting not to finish.
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In the men’s race, defending champion Daniel Ebenyo retained his title, crossing the finish line in 29 minutes and 57 seconds - 41 seconds slower than his winning time in 2024. He fended off competition from Gideon Ronoh, who finished second in 30:07, and Nicholas Kipkorir, who placed third with a time of 30:15.
The 2025 Sirikwa Classic, held in the high-altitude region of Eldoret, once again proved to be a true test of endurance, with extreme weather conditions challenging even the most elite athletes.
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