The second edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country race takes place today in Uasin Gishu County, drawing thousands of participants and spectators.
Approximately 2,000 athletes will compete for titles and prizes across 18 categories, including the senior men’s and women’s 10km, as well as the Under-20 men’s 8km and women’s 6km events.
The race has attracted international participants from countries such as the USA, Bahrain, Brunei, Burundi, Uganda, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Sudan, Somalia, and Tanzania.
As a World Athletics Cross Country Tour event, the Great Chepsaita was upgraded in September from a bronze to a gold label.
This change allows athletes from around the world to participate, with the prize money determined by World Athletics.
This year’s theme, “Run for Education,” will support students from 10 schools with scholarships. A total of Ksh 6 million in prize money will be awarded across all categories.
Additionally, the proceeds from the event will go toward refurbishing Chepsaita Secondary School.
Competition in the elite categories is expected to be intense, with substantial cash prizes on offer: Ksh 300,000 for first place, Ksh 250,000 for second, and Ksh 150,000 for third in the senior races. In the Under-20 categories, the winners will receive Ksh 60,000, Ksh 40,000, and Ksh 30,000, respectively.
Farouk Kibet, the event patron, emphasized the importance of providing equal educational opportunities for children, noting that doing so helps shape the future leaders of the country.
“It has always been my desire to see all children succeed in their lives. They are the leaders of tomorrow, but if we don’t provide them with such opportunities, how will they realize their potential?” he said.
Kibet expressed satisfaction with the progress made in improving educational opportunities for underprivileged students.
“In the first year, we helped refurbish several schools to create a better learning environment. In the second year, we aim to provide scholarships for needy students to help them continue their studies. Even a scholarship as small as Ksh 10,000 can make a significant difference for a student in this village,” he added.
The event patron Farouk Kibet (in light green) participating in the race.
The event will be graced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, alongside various government officials and elected leaders from the Rift Valley and beyond.
