By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-24 16:38:59
The organizers of the upcoming Sirkwa Classic World Cross Country Gold Tour have announced a total prize purse of Sh15.2 million. The senior race winners will receive close to Sh1 million each, making them the biggest beneficiaries. The event will take place at the Lobo Village in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, with winners in the senior categories taking home Sh960,000 for the first position.
The prize money for the top three finishers in the senior category is Sh960,000, Sh800,000, and Sh640,000, respectively. Prizes will be awarded down to the 20th position. The under-20 category winners will receive Sh200,000, while the under-18 category winners will receive Sh120,000. The third edition of the Sirikwa Classic has attracted a mix of both local and international athletes.
Children’s races will also be featured as a curtain raiser, with races for different age groups. Additionally, there will be a one-kilometer race for women above 50 years and men above 60 years. The meet will be used to select Kenya’s team for the Africa Cross Country Championships in Tunis on February 25.
There will also be community competitions incorporated into the event, making it more inclusive. The organizers have endeavored to bring everyone on board by adding senior-level events, where men and women who are 50 years and above will compete in a one-kilometer event and be rewarded. 17 countries, including Uganda, Eritrea, South Africa, Ethiopia, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Poland, and the USA, have confirmed their participation in the event.
The organizers aim to host the event to international standards and attract more international meets to Kenya. The event, which is a World Athletics Gold Label meet, is set to showcase the high-quality competition that Kenya is renowned for.
The media launch was attended by athletes, coaches, and supporters, making it clear that there is significant enthusiasm for the event. Absa Bank Kenya has also pledged its support for the event by committing Sh2 million towards it. Overall, the upcoming Sirkwa Classic promises to be an exciting and rewarding event for athletes, organizers, and spectators alike.
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