Sirikwa Classic 2026 Prize Money Breakdown: How Much Athletes Will Earn

The 2026 Absa Sirikwa Classic, held on February 14th at Lobo Village in Eldoret, has solidified its reputation as the most financially rewarding stop on the World Athletics Gold Level Cross Country Tour.

Backed by a KES 8 million title sponsorship from Absa Bank Kenya, the fifth edition of this prestigious meet offers a prize purse that exceeds international standards.

Senior Elite Races (10km Men and Women)

The senior elite races are the crown jewels of the event, attracting defending champions Agnes Ngetich and Daniel Simiu Ebenyo.

The prize distribution for both men and women is as follows:

1st Place: $6,000 (KES 780,000)

2nd Place: $5,000 (KES 650,000)

3rd Place: $4,000 (KES 520,000)

4th Place: $3,000 (KES 390,000)

5th Place: $2,500 (KES 325,000)

6th Place: $2,000 (KES 260,000)

7th Place: $1,500 (KES 195,000)

8th Place: $1,000 (KES 130,000)

9th Place: $800 (KES 104,000)

10th Place: $600 (KES 78,000)

11th and 12th Place: $400 each (KES 52,000)

13th, 14th, and 15th Place: $200 each (KES 26,000)

Under-20 Championships (8km Men / 6km Women)

The junior categories serve as a vital pipeline for future world champions. To encourage these emerging talents, the top 10 finishers receive significant financial support:

1st Place: $1,250 (KES 162,500)

2nd Place: $1,000 (KES 130,000)

3rd Place: $800 (KES 104,000)

4th Place: $600 (KES 78,000)

5th Place: $400 (KES 52,000)

6th Place: $300 (KES 39,000)

7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Place: $200 each (KES 26,000)

Elite 2km Loop Race

The 2km loop race is a high-octane sprint format designed for middle-distance specialists. The rewards for the top 10 are:

1st Place: $2,000 (KES 260,000)

2nd Place: $1,500 (KES 195,000)

3rd Place: $1,000 (KES 130,000)

4th Place: $750 (KES 97,500)

5th Place: $500 (KES 65,000)

6th Place: $400 (KES 52,000)

7th Place: $300 (KES 39,000)

8th Place: $200 (KES 26,000)

9th and 10th Place: $100 each (KES 13,000)