Agnes Jebet Ngetich Triumphs in Sirikwa Classic as Faith Kipyegon Drops Out
The 2025 Sirikwa Classic Cross Country showcased a remarkable performance from Agnes Jebet Ngetich, as the 10km world record holder led from start to finish, securing her first win in the senior women’s 10km race. While Ngetich dominated the event, triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon’s hopes of victory were dashed as she dropped out of the race, unable to withstand the harsh race conditions.
Agnes Ngetich, 24, had a dominant performance throughout the race, clocking an impressive 32:42 to cross the finish line first. Her commanding lead was established early on, as she quickly surged ahead of her competitors. By the time she completed her second lap, she had already taken a stranglehold of the lead, leaving her challengers struggling to keep pace. The gap between Agnes Ngetich and the rest of the field grew wider with each passing lap, and she finished the race with a stunning margin of over a minute.
Despite her impressive performance, the race did not unfold as expected for Faith Kipyegon, who had been billed as one of the favorites to win the event. Kipyegon, who had not raced since her victory at the Athlos NYC meeting in September, struggled with the tough race conditions. The extreme heat, dust, and dry conditions in Eldoret took a toll on the seasoned athlete, and after the third lap, Kipyegon slowed down significantly. She eventually decided to step off the course, sitting near her daughter, Alyn, before officially withdrawing from the race.
Kipyegon’s withdrawal was a disappointment for her fans and herself, as she had hoped to reclaim the 10km title at the Sirikwa Classic, a title she had won in 2023. However, the conditions were not on her side, and Ngetich’s relentless pace was simply too much for the four-time world champion.
Agnes Jebet Ngetich: A Rising Star in Cross Country and Road Racing
Agnes Jebet Ngetich has rapidly emerged as one of Kenya’s most promising athletes, known for her exceptional performances in both cross-country and road races. Her victory at the Sirikwa Classic marks another significant achievement in her growing career, following her success in the road racing scene.
Ngetich had opened her 2024 season with a remarkable 10km world record, cementing her place as one of the world’s best long-distance runners. Unfortunately, injury prevented her from making it to the Olympics, but she bounced back with a strong finish to the year, running the second-fastest half marathon time in 2024. With the 2025 season in full swing, Ngetich has set her sights on even greater achievements, including a return to the World Championships.
The 24-year-old has shown tremendous versatility in her approach to training, using cross-country races like the Sirikwa Classic as a way to build up her endurance for the upcoming track season. Her dominant win at the Sirikwa Classic demonstrates not only her strength but also her determination to bounce back from setbacks.
As Agnes Ngetich continues to rise through the ranks, her focus remains on making a significant impact on the global stage, especially at the upcoming World Championships. Her consistency and dedication to her craft make her a serious contender for more titles in the coming years.
Faith Kipyegon’s Setback: A Tough Start to 2025
Faith Kipyegon’s performance at the Sirikwa Classic was a far cry from the glory she experienced in 2024 when she became the first woman to run a 1500m time under 3:50. Her world record-setting performance in Paris, along with her third Olympic gold medal, had established her as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.
However, her first race of 2025 at the Sirikwa Classic did not go as planned. The severe race conditions in Eldoret, coupled with the pressure of competing against a strong field, proved too much for Kipyegon to handle. While she had been targeting a podium finish in the women’s 10km race, she struggled to keep pace after the third lap and ultimately chose to withdraw from the race.
Despite this setback, Kipyegon’s legacy in athletics remains unchallenged. Her achievements in the 1500m have cemented her place as one of Kenya’s greatest athletes, and it is expected that she will bounce back from this setback and return to form in future competitions. As the season progresses, Kipyegon will be looking to regain her momentum and return to her winning ways.
Ngetich’s Road to the World Championships
As Agnes Ngetich continues to shine in cross-country races, she is also setting her sights on the World Championships. Her victory at the Sirikwa Classic is just one step in her journey to becoming one of the best long-distance runners in the world.
Ngetich has stated that her participation in cross-country events like the Sirikwa Classic is part of her preparation for the 2025 season, where she plans to make a strong push for a spot on Kenya’s team for the World Championships. She is determined to improve her track performance and make up for the lost opportunities in 2024 when injury prevented her from competing at the highest level.
As Ngetich’s career continues to flourish, her focus on the World Championships is clear. With a mix of impressive cross-country performances and strong road race results, she is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage in the coming months.
The Future of Kenya’s Long-Distance Running
Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running is well-established, with the country consistently producing some of the world’s top athletes. The Sirikwa Classic is just one example of the country’s commitment to nurturing world-class talent in both cross-country and road racing events.
As Agnes Ngetich continues to rise through the ranks, she is part of a new generation of Kenyan athletes who are eager to make their mark on the world stage. With the support of Kenya’s rich athletic culture and training infrastructure, Ngetich and other rising stars will continue to challenge the best in the world and push the boundaries of what is possible in long-distance running.
Kenya’s success in long-distance events is a testament to the country’s dedication to excellence in athletics, and athletes like Agnes Jebet Ngetich will continue to inspire future generations of runners to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness. As the 2025 season unfolds, there is no doubt that Kenya’s long-distance runners will remain at the forefront of global athletics, and Ngetich will be among those leading the charge.
