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Sirikwa Classic (World Cross Country Tour) has attracted runners from at least seven foreign countries as well as elite local entries ahead of the event that will be held at Lobo Village in Kapseret Constituency-Uasin Gishu County.

This year, the country will witness athletes from Uganda, Ethiopia, UK, USA, Germany, Norway and Kenya. The announcment was made by the race’s director Barnabas Korir in Nairobi yesterday when Reckitt Benkister through their Dettol brand, pledged to sponsor the event to the tune of Sh 2.6 million towards cash prizes and operations.

Korir who was flanked by Dettol Head of Regulatory Affairs James Mukoro and Golazo Managing Director Dorcas Kibet at the latter’s Spring Valley Offices said they were looking at engaging the sponsors on a long-term basis.

“Obviously Corporate support for sports is necessary and with this agreement, we are certainly thinking long-term. We will have U20 ands Under 18 categories featuring fun and elite races separately. We also will have kids and adults’ races and as much as possible we want to make it a community affair. We hope to receive participants from not only Uasin Gishu but neighbouring counties as well. This is a Gold Series event and so we want to make it as high quality and also fun as possible. Our main sponsor is obviously the Government of Kenya who have committed to see us do a good event and we are happy that World Athletics has been able to support us,” he stated.

On his part, Mukoro who stood in for the Reckitt & Benkister Country Manager told of the great honor it was to partner with AK and Sirikwa Organizers on this year’s event. “We are thrilled to be part of this partnership and it just shows our commitment as a brand in being associated with Sport. Sports as we know has created careers especially in the World of Athletics and it is a multi-million enterprise with limitless opportunities. As Dettol, we are more inclined towards cleanliness through our products and as such we will be interacting with civilians and athletes through our brands and sensitizing them about hygiene while at work,” offered Mukoro.

Today the official launch and breakdown of categories will be announced in Lobo Village courtesy of the Organizers. At the same time, it has been revealed that some top Athletes have already registered and that 33 Athletes from overseas have been enlisted for the run